Chemists strike against e-pharmacies as 2018 rules lapse, leaving PharmEasy in regulatory limbo

AIOCD, representing 12 lakh chemists, downed shutters demanding a level playing field against deep-discounting online pharmacies. PharmEasy defends its ABDM-integrated marketplace, while IMA flags safety concerns. The lapsed 2018 e-pharmacy notification has left India's fast-growing online drug retail channel without a clear rulebook.

— Source publishedMon, 1 Jun, 2026, 06:00 IST·First seen Mon, 1 Jun, 2026, 06:05 IST·Source The Hindu BusinessLine

What happened

PharmEasy · Indian chemists struck work protesting online pharmacies' deep discounting and regulatory gaps. AIOCD, representing 12 lakh chemists, demands level

Key facts

  • 12 lakh chemists
  • 2018 notification

Why this matters

The unsettled rulebook is a window to lock in offline chemist partnerships or omnichannel JVs that hedge whichever way the regulation lands.