Thousands of chemists across Maharashtra will participate in a nationwide one-day bandh called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) on Wednesday.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said it has activated district-level emergency control rooms and coordinated with hospitals and 24×7 pharmacies to ensure an uninterrupted supply of life-saving medicines.
Chemists and wholesalers from Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad are expected to gather at Azad Maidan to press for their demands against online medicine platforms and alleged regulatory disparity between retail chemists and e-pharmacies.
FDA Commissioner Shridhar Dube Patil said the administration has held meetings with chemists’ associations and FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal ahead of the protest.
“We are fully prepared to handle any emergency situation during the strike. Emergency contact numbers have been activated in all districts across Maharashtra, and officials have been instructed to remain on alert,” Patil said.
Chemists’ concerns
Sunil Chajjed, general secretary of the Navi Mumbai Retail Chemists and Wholesalers Association, said the protest revolves around three major concerns raised repeatedly by chemists across the country.
“The first demand is complete closure of illegal online medicine sales. Secondly, online platforms are offering discounts of 30 to 40 per cent, which is badly affecting retail chemists. FDA has capped discounts for us at around 16 to 20 per cent, then why are online companies getting away with such practices?” Chajjed questioned.
He further alleged that several online platforms are supplying medicines without valid prescriptions. “Sleeping pills, habit-forming medicines and even MT pills are allegedly being sold without proper prescriptions online. Youngsters are increasingly consuming sleeping pills. If we retail chemists sell medicines without a prescription, our licence can be suspended and strict action is taken against us. Then why different rules for online platforms?” he asked.
Chajjed added that chemists are not against competition, but want a “fair and regulated system.”
“We are ready to compete with anyone, but the competition should be genuine and legal,” he said, warning that the agitation may continue in the future if demands are ignored.
Emergency support
Despite the bandh, chemists’ associations have claimed that emergency healthcare services will not be disrupted.
“We have instructed all association members to conduct the protest peacefully without causing inconvenience to citizens. Our members have also been asked to remain available during emergencies and cooperate with the police, FDA, and the public,” Chajjed said.
A representative from Millennium Medical Stores said, “We are symbolically participating in the strike, but we are attached to Millennium Hospital, so we will remain operational for emergency requirements.”
“We don’t want patients to suffer. Emergency medicine support will continue wherever necessary,” Chajjed said.
‘Stock up on essentials’
An Apple Chemist outlet in Navi Mumbai. PIC/ABHITASH SINGH
At several medical stores across Navi Mumbai, pharmacists said they had informed regular customers in advance to stock up on routine medicines. However, emergency dispensing facilities will remain available in select locations.
Champat Jat, associated with Apple Chemist outlet in Navi Mumbai, said, “Patients who require regular BP, diabetes or heart medicines should avoid waiting till the last minute. Though emergency services will continue, it is always safer to keep essential medicines in hand.”
Shravan Jat from Apple Chemist echoed this, saying, “Senior citizens and patients undergoing ongoing treatment should remain cautious. We are trying to assist customers while also supporting the bandh.”
FDA emergency control room numbers
– Zone 1 South Mumbai, Colaba to Byculla — Ajay Mahale: 9323690325
– Zone 2 Mahalaxmi to Wadala, Sewri — Hemant Aade: 9869333651
– Zone 3 Kurla East, Ghatkopar, Chembur, Govandi, Mankhurd, Shivaji Nagar — PR Rawat: 8007877854
– Zone 4 Bandra East & West, Vikhroli to Mulund, Sakinaka, Chandivli, Powai — Sheetal Deshmukh: 9404993598
– Zone 5 Khar, Santacruz, Vile Parle, Juhu, Andheri — Poonam Salunkhekar: 8108192001
– Zone 6 Jogeshwari, Goregaon, Malad —Rakesh Edulwar: 9619270766
– Zone 7 Kandivli, Borivli, Dahisar — Aarti Kamble: 9323459896
In case of an emergency…
– Contact the nearest FDA emergency control room
– Reach out to nearby hospitals with in-house pharmacies
– Visit designated 24×7 pharmacies operating during the bandh
– Carry valid prescriptions for critical medicines
– Avoid panic buying or unnecessary stockpiling
– Senior citizens and patients with chronic illnesses should keep essential medicines in advance
