Chemists and druggists across India recently staged a nationwide protest against the uncontrolled online sale of medicines, intensifying calls for the government to implement stricter regulations on e-pharmacy and quick commerce platforms. Organised by the All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD), the demonstration highlighted mounting concerns over patient safety, prescription compliance, and aggressive pricing strategies by digital retailers.
Nationwide Call for Oversight
The AIOCD, representing traditional pharmacy retailers, submitted memorandums to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through district authorities across the country. J S Shinde, President of AIOCD, emphasised the direct link between medicine sales and public health. “Medicines are directly linked to patient safety and public health. Sale and home delivery of drugs without proper prescription verification can have serious consequences,” Shinde stated.
Rajiv Singhal, General Secretary of AIOCD, echoed these sentiments, alleging that many online channels operate without adequate prescription verification and regulatory oversight, leading to potential misuse of drugs. He noted that despite repeated representations to authorities regarding these “illegal online sale of medicines and deep discounting practices,” no effective action has been taken.
Concerns Over Digital Practices
A primary point of contention for offline chemists is the rise of ultra-fast medicine delivery models, which promise prescription drugs within minutes in urban areas. Critics argue that such speed often risks bypassing essential checks mandated by India’s drug regulations. The AIOCD specifically demanded the immediate withdrawal of GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E), provisions they claim are being exploited by online pharmacy and quick commerce platforms to facilitate the unregulated sale and delivery of medicines.
Beyond safety, traditional pharmacies face intense competitive pressure from online platforms offering steep discounts, cashbacks, and convenient home delivery services. This aggressive pricing, according to the AIOCD, is severely impacting the viability of hundreds of thousands of small, licensed pharmacies nationwide, many of whom played a crucial role in ensuring medicine supplies during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Competitive Pressures and Market Growth
India’s online pharmacy market has expanded rapidly, driven by increasing digital adoption and demand for home delivery services. According to the IMARC Group, the market was valued at $3.71 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $14.08 billion by 2034. Major players in this sector include Tata 1mg, PharmEasy, Apollo 24|7, and Netmeds, alongside numerous regional and quick commerce platforms.
While online pharmacy companies advocate for their role in improving medicine access and convenience for consumers, the ongoing protests underscore a fundamental tension between digital innovation and the need for robust regulatory oversight in the critical sector of pharmaceutical sales.