DIMAPUR, MAY 20 (NPN): Chemists and druggists across Nagaland on Wednesday joined a nationwide one-day token strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD) against online pharmacies and alleged violations of provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Under the aegis of the Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA), medicine shops across the state remained closed in support of the protest. However, pharmacies attached to government and private hospitals and nursing homes were exempted from the bandh.
In a press release, NMDA president Ato Yepthomi and joint secretary in-charge press & media Arijit Sharma said the strike remained peaceful and received overwhelming support from chemists and druggists throughout the state.
The association informed that a memorandum had been submitted to the Prime Minister highlighting concerns over illegal and unregulated online sale of medicines, home delivery of medicines without valid prescriptions, and predatory discounting practices allegedly affecting licensed chemists.
The memorandum also demanded immediate withdrawal of GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E), which the association alleged were being misused by online medicine platforms and quick commerce operators for uncontrolled medicine delivery.
Expressing concern over patient safety, NMDA stated that medicines were not ordinary commodities and that unregulated online sales without proper verification posed a serious threat to public health and the regulatory framework established under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The association further stated that despite repeated representations and submission of evidence regarding alleged illegal online operations, no effective action had been taken by the concerned authorities.
Seeking immediate intervention, the chemist fraternity urged the Centre to take corrective measures in the interest of public health and to protect small licensed chemists and their employees.
Meanwhile, the association has expressed gratitude to all the presidents and members of the affiliated districts chemist and druggist association. It also thanked district administrations, police and drug control administration for their support in successful observation of the bandh.
NMDA further lauded DCCI for safeguarding the business community of Dimapur.
