BJD MP Sasmit Patra described the decision of Jan Aushadhi centres and some chemist shops to stay open during the nationwide strike called by chemists against e-pharmacy operations as a 'very positive step.' Speaking on Wednesday, Patra emphasised the need for the government to engage with chemists' associations to ensure offline pharmacies are not adversely affected by e-commerce platforms.

“Despite the bandh call today on chemist shops in protest to the growing dominance of the e-commerce pharmacies, many Jan Aushadhi centres as well as other chemist shops staying open is a very positive step…the govt needs to engage with the chemists’ associations and organisations and find a way by which the chemist shops don’t get adversely impacted by the e-commerce pharmacies,” he said.

The strike was organised by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) to protest against what they described as unregulated e-pharmacy operations, deep discounts, and the unverified online sale of prescription medicines. Several pharmacies across the country, including in Rajkot, Gujarat, and Pune, Maharashtra, were closed, with many chemists joining the protest.

AIOCD National President JS Shinde labelled the current online sale of medicines as “entirely unlawful and illegal.” The organisation called for the cancellation of Notification GSR 817, the withdrawal of Notification GSR 220 introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the establishment of a new regulatory framework for medicine sales.

The protest also expressed concern over deep discounts offered by online medicine platforms, with offline chemists requesting higher margins under the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) if such discounts persist. However, the AIOCD assured that emergency medicines would remain available throughout the strike.

Separately, Patra welcomed the strengthening strategic and cultural partnership between India and Italy following a joint op-ed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. “Both the premiers of India and Italy signing and writing a common statement relating to the shared values and culture between India and Italy is a welcome step. India and Italy have a lot in common in terms of our shared values and our intent for the good of our people,” he said.