Associations allege AI fake prescriptions, demand rollback of GSR 817(E), allowing medicines to be sold without proper verification.
Hyderabad: Alleging that illegal e‑pharmacies are enabling AI‑generated fake prescriptions and threatening both public health and small medical shops, chemists’ associations have announced a nationwide bandh of medical shops on May 20.
The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), Telangana Chemists and Druggists Association (TTCDA) and Hyderabad District Chemists and Druggists Association (HCDA) said over 12.40 lakh shops and distributors will join the protest.
The associations charged that online platforms were misusing relaxations under G.S.R. 817(E), allowing medicines to be sold without proper verification. They warned that fake prescriptions could make antibiotics and habit‑forming drugs easily accessible, worsening antimicrobial resistance.
They also accused corporate pharmacy chains of predatory pricing, offering deep discounts despite regulated margins under the Drug Price Control Order, and driving small chemists to losses.
The organisations demanded withdrawal of Covid‑era notification G.S.R. 220(E) and cancellation of G.S.R. 817(E), calling for a “level playing field” in pricing. “This is not just a business issue but also a matter of public health safety. If the government does not respond, we may intensify the agitation,” said HCDA president A. Sridhar Gupta.
Honorary president K. Venkata Ramana Reddy added that stronger regulation of e‑pharmacies was essential to prevent misuse of digital platforms and protect consumers as well as small traders
