Chemist associations announce nationwide strike today

Around 3,500 chemists in the city will be shut on Wednesday, as their associations have decided to go on a nationwide strike against the online sale of medicines. According to the associations, the government should not regularise the sale of medicines through e-pharmacies.

The All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has submitted its memorandum to the central and state health authorities.

"Online sale of medicines poses an increased risk of adverse drug reactions/side effects. It will also lead to rise in irrational use of medicines, particularly antibiotics. We, therefore, strongly protest online sale of drugs. In India, online sale is still in its nascent stage," said Prasad Danave, president of retail and dispensing chemist association.

Doctors, however, are divided on the issue. Dr Jayesh Lele, president-elect of Indian Medical Association (Maharashtra), said, "The IMA has objected to online sale of drugs. Over-the-counter sale is still fine, but medicines that need a doctor's prescription should not be available online. Misuse of schedule H drugs and antibiotics may go up if online sale of drugs is allowed."

Dr Ashish Tiwari, CEO, Zynova Hospitals, Ghatkopar, on the other hand, supported online sale of medicines and said chemists are opposing this because they feel that online pharmacies will affect their business.

"Online pharmacies are useful and futuristic and especially convenient for the elderly and kids. They will ensure dispensing of prescription drugs on prescription only," said Tiwari.

"Nowadays, e-prescriptions have been started by many health care experts and hospitals, which can be easily integrated to the pharmacies, which will then ensure accuracy of drugs and also will be part of electronic medical records."

He added that e-pharmacies will give option of substitution to generic drugs at the time of making a drug cart, which will reduce patients' expenses.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has, in the meanwhile, criticised the chemists associations' decision to go on strike. In a statement issued, it said it is taking necessary steps to control online sale of drugs, and that the associations should not hold the public for ransom.

The FDA also said it has appointed a sub-committee under the drugs consultative committee. "The team working under this committee will be examining the issue of sale of medicines via the Internet. The chemist associations have submitted their views and concerns to the committee," said Dr Harshdeep Kamble, FDA commissioner.

He added that as the committee is yet to submit its report, the Government of India has not taken any decision on online sale of drugs. "It is premature to assume a decision has been taken against the view of these associations; calling strike at this instance will affect public health at large."

To ensure the common man doesn't suffer, the FDA has issued directions to all its joint commissioners, asking them to appeal to all licensees to keep their shops open. "All the staff and officers in every district shall be available during the strike. Our staff will be coordinating with civil surgeons, district health officers, medical officers of government, semi-government and private hospitals, Indian Medical Association and 24-hour medical stores to ensure availability of medicine," said Kamble.

A control room have been established in each district for this purpose and information has been made available on 1800-222-365 (toll-free), 022-26592362 and 26592365. Information about 24-hour medical stores in Maharashtra is available on fda.maharashtra.gov.in and xlnindia.gov.in