Telangana, AP Chemists Join Nationwide Bandh Against Online Medicine Sales

A large-scale shutdown of medical shops disrupted pharmacy operations across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday as retail chemists intensified their protest against the growing presence of e-pharmacies and corporate-backed online medicine delivery platforms. The nationwide bandh, called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) , witnessed strong participation from independent pharmacy owners who accused online medicine companies of violating drug control regulations and threatening the survival of traditional medical stores.

In Telangana, nearly 45,000 medical shops reportedly remained closed throughout the day. According to T. Raju , General Secretary of the Telangana Chemists and Druggists Association , only a few stores in parts of Hyderabad opened briefly in the morning before joining the protest later. Pharmacists alleged that several online platforms were supplying medicines without proper prescription verification while using aggressive discounting strategies that small retailers cannot compete with.

To ensure patients were not severely affected, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) implemented emergency arrangements across the state. Hospital-attached pharmacies continued to function normally, while major corporate pharmacy chains such as Apollo Pharmacy and MedPlus were instructed to remain operational for emergency medicine requirements. Drug inspectors coordinated with district pharmacy associations to monitor the availability of essential and life-saving medicines during the bandh.

In Andhra Pradesh, members of the NTR District Chemists and Druggists Association organized protest rallies in Vijayawada carrying banners and placards opposing online medicine sales. Protesters urged the public to support local pharmacies and safeguard safe healthcare practices. Pharmacy owners argued that unchecked online drug sales could pose serious public health risks, especially if prescription medicines are delivered without adequate scrutiny.

The protest also reflects a wider national debate over the regulation of online pharmacies in India. Chemist associations have repeatedly demanded stricter enforcement against unauthorized medicine sales and clearer legal guidelines for digital pharmacy platforms. They argue that while technology-driven healthcare services are expanding rapidly, medicines cannot be treated like ordinary consumer products due to the risks of misuse, counterfeit drugs, and self-medication.

Despite the bandh call, several states, including Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Punjab, Gujarat, and West Bengal , kept medical shops open citing patient welfare concerns. Meanwhile, Jan Aushadhi Kendras , hospital pharmacies, and government-supported medicine outlets continued operations in many regions to ensure uninterrupted access to essential drugs.