New Delhi

Sasmit Patra on Wednesday described the decision of several Jan Aushadhi Kendras and other pharmacies to remain open during the nationwide chemists’ strike as a “positive step.”

Speaking to ANI, the Biju Janata Dal MP said the government should initiate discussions with chemist associations to ensure that traditional pharmacy businesses are protected amid the rapid rise of e-pharmacy platforms.

Patra said that while chemists across the country had called for a bandh to protest against the increasing dominance of online medicine delivery services, the continued functioning of Jan Aushadhi centres and some retail medical shops helped maintain access to essential medicines for the public.

He stressed that authorities must find a balanced solution so that offline pharmacies do not suffer because of the expansion of e-commerce-based medicine platforms.

The remarks came in the backdrop of a 24-hour nationwide strike organised by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), which has raised concerns over alleged unregulated operations of e-pharmacies, heavy discounting practices and the online sale of prescription medicines without proper verification.

Medical stores remained shut in several cities, including parts of Rajkot and Pune, where chemists participated in the protest by keeping their shops closed.

Earlier, AIOCD National President JS Shinde had termed the existing online sale of medicines as “completely unlawful and illegal.”

The organisation has demanded the withdrawal of Notification GSR 220 introduced during the COVID-19 period, cancellation of Notification GSR 817 and the formulation of a new regulatory mechanism governing medicine sales in the country.

Chemists have also objected to the steep discounts offered by online medicine platforms and demanded improved margins for offline retailers under the Drug Price Control Order if such pricing practices continue.

Despite the strike, the AIOCD had assured that emergency medicines would continue to be available throughout the protest.

Meanwhile, Patra also welcomed the strengthening ties between India and Italy following the joint op-ed written by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

He said both countries shared common values and a collective vision for the welfare of their people, adding that deeper cooperation between India and Italy would help expand collaboration in several strategic sectors.

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In their joint article titled “Italy and India: A Strategic Partnership for the Indo-Mediterranean,” the two leaders outlined plans to boost cooperation in areas such as trade, defence, clean energy, artificial intelligence, technology and connectivity initiatives including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).