Tripura chemists to join national shutdown on May 20

More than 3,500 chemists and drug distributors across the state will observe a one-day nationwide shutdown on May 20 to protest against operations of e-pharmacies, deep discounting by corporate entities and delay in withdrawal of certain notifications issued during the COVID-19 period, the state affiliate body of All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) said on Sunday.

Briefing the media persons on Sunday, an office bearer of All Tripura Chemist and Druggist Association said, “We have decided to participate in the shutdown called by the all India body. The shutdown will be in force for 24 hours.” 

On being asked about emergencies which might occur, he said, “A delegation of the organisation has already met the Deputy Drug Controller of the state and apprised the authorities of the overall situation. After due diligence, it has been decided that the chemist shops located close to hospitals are exempted from the strike in order to ensure that during emergencies people can have access to medicines.”   

A press statement issued by the organisation further said, in a memorandum submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the AIOCD said repeated representations on issues affecting the pharmaceutical trade had not yielded any concrete action, leading to resentment among chemists.

The AIOCD also raised concerns over “predatory pricing” by large corporate entities through deep discounting practices.

It said while margins on essential medicines are regulated under the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), such pricing practices were creating unfair competition for small chemists, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

The organisation further demanded withdrawal of notification G.S.R. 220(E), issued on March 26, 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, alleging that its continued implementation was weakening provisions under Drug Rule 65 and enabling digital platforms to bypass regulatory safeguards.

It also sought withdrawal of notification G.S.R. 817(E) related to e-pharmacies and called for a “level playing field” policy to prevent deep discounting by corporations.

AIOCD President J S Shinde and General Secretary Rajiv Singhal said the agitation was linked to both patient safety and survival of small chemists.

“If the Government does not take any concrete decision on these demands by May 20, we will be compelled to launch an indefinite agitation,” they said in a joint statement.