Chandigarh, May 19: Retail and wholesale medical stores across Punjab will remain closed on Wednesday as part of a nationwide strike organized by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists.
Approximately 27,000 regional pharmacies plan to participate in the 24-hour shutdown to protest the expansion of online medicine sales and the deep discounting models used by digital pharmacy platforms. Local operators stated that corporate e-pharmacies create an uneven market, making it impossible for traditional neighborhood dispensaries to sustain their businesses.
The strike will run from midnight on Wednesday until midnight on Thursday, according to organizers. To mitigate the impact on critical care, individual chemist groups confirmed that pharmacies physically located inside hospital complexes will remain open to supply admitted patients.
“We have asked all retailers and wholesalers across Punjab to observe the strike,” stated Surinder Duggal, president of the Punjab Chemist Association. “To ensure people do not face difficulties during severe emergencies, helpline numbers will also be issued to assist them.”
Beyond commercial pressures, the trade association asserted that the unregulated digital distribution of pharmaceuticals presents a significant risk to public health. Industry leaders noted that online platforms frequently distribute medications without verifying patient prescriptions, which increases the likelihood of self-medication and drug misuse.
The protest will see varying levels of participation across different districts. In Ludhiana, an estimated 3,253 retail and wholesale establishments intend to lock their doors, with major institutional pharmacies participating in half-day closures. Conversely, the shutdown may be only partial in Jalandhar, where local retail representatives noted that several high-volume wholesalers who already utilize digital sales platforms plan to keep their operations active.
