Over eight-lakh chemists across the country remained shut on Tuesday to protest against e-pharmacies and the government’s e-portal initiative to regulate the sale of medicines in the country.
“We have been asked to upload all information related to sale of medicines on a portal, which is not possible with the existing infrastructure,” a senior member of AIOCD was quoted as saying by a news agency.
The chemists are also opposing online pharmacy, which they say, poses a threat to their business.
“The online pharmacy will also encourage irrational usage of medicines and sale of fake drugs,” the AIOCD member said.
Following a government notice in April on e-portal, the association submitted a point-wise representation to the Health Ministry.
Medicines were, however, available at shops inside hospitals.
(With inputs from agencies)