Guwahati, May 12: The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), representing 12.5 lakh chemists across the country, has raised strong objections to a proposed regulation allowing Over the Counter (OTC) medicines to be sold through general stores.
In a formal submission to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Union Health Secretary, and the Director General of Health Services, AIOCD president JS Shinde and general secretary Rajiv Singhal called for immediate consultations with stakeholders before finalizing any list of OTC drugs.
The AIOCD warned that poorly implemented policies could violate existing drug laws, promote irrational drug use, and lead to the spread of spurious or substandard medicines. The organization also highlighted serious public health risks, including increased drug resistance and adverse drug reactions.
In addition, the AIOCD demanded the revocation of GSR 220(E)—a notification issued during the COVID-19 emergency that allowed home delivery of medicines. They argued that online platforms misuse this provision by violating prescription norms and distributing critical medicines without pharmacist supervision.
The organization emphasized that licensed retail chemists are the backbone of India’s pharmaceutical supply system and urged the government to uphold drug distribution laws by involving all relevant stakeholders in regulatory decisions.
