Pune: Over 15,000 Chemists To Observe Bandh On May 20 Against Online Medicine Sales
Pune: Over 15,000 Chemists To Observe Bandh On May 20 Against Online Medicine Sales
Pune, May 19, 2026: More than 15,000 chemists across Pune district will participate in a nationwide bandh on May 20 in protest against alleged illegal online medicine sales and growing competition from large corporate players.
The bandh has been called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists and has received full support from the Chemists Association of Pune District (CAPD). Chemist shops across the district are expected to remain shut during the protest.
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Speaking at a press conference in Pune on Monday, CAPD office-bearers said the response to the bandh is expected to be overwhelming, with near-total participation from medicine retailers.
CAPD president Sandeep Parakh said the protest is aimed at highlighting concerns over policy inaction and the future of traditional pharmaceutical retailers. He added that members of the association are fully prepared to support the shutdown.
CAPD secretary Anil Belkar said chemists have expressed strong dissatisfaction as repeated efforts to raise their concerns through democratic channels have not received a satisfactory response.
According to AIOCD president Jagannath S. Shinde, the protest is primarily against online medicine sales allegedly being conducted without a clear legal framework under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
Shinde stated that while there is no specific legal provision permitting online medicine sales under the current laws, such operations continue across the country, raising concerns related to patient safety, regulatory monitoring and the future of conventional medicine distribution systems.
