Chandigarh Chemists Association (CCA) has announced its wholehearted support for the one-day nationwide shutdown called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026. The shutdown is being observed in protest against government inaction on the unregulated functioning of online pharmacies and predatory pricing practices that threaten the survival of lakhs of chemists across the country.
CCA President Anup Gupta stated, “All chemist shops in Chandigarh shall fully support this strike, which is for the benefit of patients and for the survival of our trade.”
The AIOCD, representing over 12.40 lakh chemists and drug distributors nationwide, has raised serious concerns regarding illegal e-pharmacies operating without regulatory oversight, deep discounting by large corporate entities that undercuts small chemists, and the continued operation of the temporary COVID-era notification G.S.R. 220(E). The organisation has demanded the withdrawal of notifications G.S.R. 220(E) and G.S.R. 817(E), along with a “Level Playing Field” policy to prevent unfair trade practices.
In this regard, the CCA has submitted memorandums to MP Shri Manish Tewari, BJP Chandigarh President Shri Jatinder Malhotra, Rajya Sabha Member S. Satnam Singh, and Director of Health Services Dr. Suman Singh, urging immediate intervention.
All chemist shops in Chandigarh will remain closed on 20 May 2026 in solidarity with this nationwide movement.
Issued by: Chandigarh Chemists Association
