Vizag chemists shut shops, protest e-pharmacy norms
Medical shops across Visakhapatnam district remained closed on Wednesday as chemists and druggists joined a nationwide one-day bandh called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), demanding stricter regulation of e-pharmacies and rollback of certain emergency provisions introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Members of the Visakhapatnam District Drug Trade Association and Smart Visakha Chemists Welfare Society took out a rally from Jagadamba Junction to the Collectorate, raising slogans against online sale of medicines and alleged irregularities in digital prescriptions.
Association president V Seetharamaiah said online platforms and pharmaceutical companies were offering heavy discounts, which he said were impacting local pharmacies. He also alleged that “fake” and restricted medicines were being sold through online channels.
He further claimed that MTP kits, NRx drugs, and antibiotics were being dispensed without proper verification, including through AI-generated prescriptions.
The association also sought the withdrawal of GSR 220(E), issued during the COVID-19 period for emergency medicine supply, alleging misuse by online retailers.
According to the association, more than 1,500 medical shops in the district supported the bandh. However, Janaushadhi Kendras, Jeevandhara and Sanjeevini outlets, along with hospital- and nursing home-based pharmacies, remained open to ensure patient care was not affected.
Protests were also held in Gopalapatnam, Gajuwaka, Tagarapuvalasa, Madhurawada, and Pendurthi, where local trade bodies participated in rallies.
Seetharamaiah said the bandh was conducted in line with guidelines from the District Collector and the Drugs Control Administration, ensuring essential services were not disrupted.
The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Visakhapatnam, said precautionary arrangements were made to avoid inconvenience to the public. Assistant Director (FAC) K Rajitha said at least one medical shop in each cluster was kept open, and contact details of drug inspectors were shared for emergencies.