Chemist strike on 20 May loses steam as 12 state bodies withdraw after CDSCO assurance

AIOCD's nationwide shutdown call against e-pharmacies and deep discounts weakens after CDSCO agreed to review rules. 12 state associations including Maharashtra, UP, Kerala, Karnataka and Gujarat pulled out, easing immediate disruption risk for 1.2 million small chemists.

— Filed Mon, 18 May, 2026, 21:42 IST · Source Mint · Industry · Updated

Nationwide chemist strike on 20 May weakens as 12 state pharmacy associations withdraw support after CDSCO assured review of e-pharmacy rules. AIOCD had protested deep discounts, fake prescriptions, and pandemic-era relaxations harming 1.2 million small chemists.