Nationwide Chemists’ Strike on May 20 Faces Split in Assam Over Public Access to Medicines
While the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has called for a nationwide strike against unregulated e-pharmacies and deep discounting, the Assam Drug Dealers Association (ADDA) has announced that pharmacies across Assam will remain open in the interest of patients and uninterrupted medicine supply.
GUWAHATI- A nationwide strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) on May 20, 2026, against unregulated e-pharmacies and corporate discounting has exposed differences within the pharmaceutical trade sector in Assam, where a major state-level association has decided not to support the bandh.
Talking to NortheastIndia24.com, Dr N L Agarwala, president of Chemists and Druggists Association of Assam informed that ” the AIOCD, which represents over 12.40 lakh chemists and drug distributors across the country, announced the one-day shutdown alleging that illegal online pharmacies and deep discounting practices by large corporations are threatening both public health and the survival of small chemists. The organisation also warned that continued regulatory relaxations could weaken safeguards under existing drug laws” .
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In its memorandum and public statement, the AIOCD raised concerns over the alleged misuse of notification G.S.R. 817(E), arguing that online medicine platforms are enabling repeated use of prescriptions and facilitating the circulation of AI-generated fake prescriptions. The body claimed that unrestricted sale of antibiotics and habit-forming drugs could contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and compromise patient safety.
The organisation further accused large corporate entities of disturbing market balance through aggressive discounting strategies. According to the AIOCD, such practices threaten the survival of small chemists, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where local pharmacies remain a primary source of healthcare access.
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However, the Assam Drug Dealers Association ( ADDA ), representing around 20,000 retail and wholesale chemists across Assam, has publicly distanced itself from the bandh call. In a separate press release issued on May 1, the association stated that pharmacies in the state would remain open to ensure uninterrupted access to life-saving medicines for the public.
The association President Pramod Maur said that while it supports concerns regarding online sale of medicines, exploitative discounting, and circulation of spurious drugs, it does not endorse shutting down pharmacies. It argued that medicines are essential services and that previous bandhs had caused inconvenience to patients without producing meaningful policy outcomes.
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The ADDA also suggested alternative forms of protest, including black badge demonstrations and peaceful dharnas outside government offices. The organisation pointed out that draft rules regulating online sale of medicines under G.S.R. 817(E) have remained pending since 2018, creating legal ambiguity around prescription drug sales through digital platforms.
Calling for immediate government intervention, the Assam association requested its members not to observe the bandh and appealed to law enforcement authorities to provide protection to pharmacies and prevent any untoward incidents during the proposed strike.
The debate reflects growing tensions within India’s pharmaceutical retail sector over the rise of online medicine platforms, pricing practices, and the future regulatory framework governing e-pharmacies.
Meanwhile, The Chemists and Druggists Association of Assam has announced emergency medicine services during the nationwide strike on May 20, 2026. In a letter addressed to the Drug Controller of Assam, the association stated that pharmacies attached to hospitals and nursing homes across the state will continue regular medicine supply services.
The association has also released a list of designated pharmacies that will remain open in different parts of Guwahati, including Uzanbazar, Ganeshguri, Noonmati, Chandmari, Beltola, Maligaon and other localities, to ensure uninterrupted access to life-saving medicines and emergency healthcare support during the bandh.
