AIOCD chemists strike nationwide, demand rollback of e-pharmacy rules threatening Tata 1mg, PharmEasy

All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists led offline pharmacists in a nationwide shutdown seeking withdrawal of GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E), citing prescription violations and deep discounting by online platforms. The pushback targets a market projected to grow from $3.71B in 2025 to $14.08B by 2034.

— Source publishedWed, 20 May, 2026, 22:21 IST·First seen Wed, 20 May, 2026, 22:51 IST·Source Business Today · Latest

What happened

AIOCD-led chemists staged nationwide protest demanding tighter regulation of e-pharmacies and quick commerce medicine delivery, citing prescription compliance

Key facts

  • $3.71 billion in 2025
  • $14.08 billion by 2034
  • GSR 817(E)
  • GSR 220(E)