Sources in India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) said on Monday that the regulator is actively reviewing retail pharmacy concerns over e-pharmacy operations.
The review follows a meeting between CDSCO and AIOCD representatives, who had called for the bandh over grievances linked to the growing presence of e-pharmacies and the regulatory framework governing online drug sales.
Following the meeting, AIOCD was assured that the issues raised are under active consideration and that the regulatory framework is being examined to address legitimate concerns of retail pharmacy stakeholders, people in the know told ET.
The assurance appears to have prompted a significant shift. Retail Pharmacy Associations from West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Ladakh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand have each submitted written assurances that they will not participate in the strike and will ensure no disruption to medicine availability on May 20, same people said.
Recognising this, several Retail Pharmacy Associations have reviewed the situation and expressed satisfaction over the regulator’s constructive response. In view of the ongoing review process and the need to safeguard patient welfare, these associations have categorically declined to support the proposed bandh.
The associations cited public interest and humanitarian responsibility toward patients particularly vulnerable groups dependent on regular access to life-saving medicines as key reasons for stepping back, with several expressing satisfaction over the regulator’s constructive response.With most associations now distancing themselves from the proposed bandh, the prospect of a significant nationwide disruption to medicine availability on May 20 looks increasingly unlikely.
AIOCD has not yet issued a formal response to the widespread withdrawal of support.
Sources reiterated that public health and patient access to medicines remain paramount, and that constructive dialogue is the preferred mechanism for addressing sectoral concerns while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for citizens across the country.