The Assam Drug Dealers’ Association (ADDA) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed nationwide 24-hour shutdown of pharmacies and medicine distributors scheduled for May 20. The association warned that such a move would severely affect patients and disrupt healthcare services across the state.
Background of the Shutdown
The shutdown has been called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) in protest against online medicine sales. However, ADDA general secretary Bikram Choudhury stated, “The association will not support any programme that inconveniences patients or interrupts the supply of essential medicines.”
Previous Shutdowns Ineffective
Choudhury alleged that previous shutdowns of a similar nature had failed to curb online medicine businesses and instead indirectly benefited them. He added that the central government has not formally authorised online medicine sales and urged authorities to take strict action against companies engaged in illegal online drug trade rather than forcing offline pharmacies to shut down.
ADDA president Pramod Mor said the association has always opposed illegal online medicine sales but believes protests should not come at the cost of public suffering. He announced that pharmacies affiliated with ADDA across Assam would remain open on May 20 to ensure uninterrupted services for patients and the public.
Hidden Interests Suspected
The association further claimed that similar protests held in the past had failed to yield any positive results and only encouraged the growth of online medicine platforms. ADDA also expressed suspicion over the “hidden interests” behind the shutdown call.
