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.

— Filed Wed, 20 May, 2026, 22:52 IST · Source Business Today · Latest · Updated

AIOCD-led chemists staged nationwide protest demanding tighter regulation of e-pharmacies and quick commerce medicine delivery, citing prescription compliance and deep discounting concerns. They sought withdrawal of GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E), pressuring platforms like Tata 1mg, PharmEasy, Apollo 24|7.

Why this matters

AIOCD escalates its campaign against online pharmacy platforms, following a 15 lakh chemist shutdown and a direct petition to PM Modi seeking withdrawal of e-pharmacy rules enabling Tata 1mg and PharmEasy.

Omni-channel signals steady at 93 over the last 90 days, reflecting sustained online-offline retail tension.