In a strong show of resistance, traditional drug traders from Tamil Nadu are preparing for a statewide protest on June 25, opposing the government’s push to legalize OTC drug sales in general stores and the unregulated growth of e-pharmacies.

Key highlights

Mass protest planned

• The Tamil Nadu Pharmaceutical Traders Association (TN PTA) will hold a protest at 10:30 AM on June 25 in front of Mannaragudi Melaraja Road Head Post Office.

• Over 300 chemists and druggists from across southern Tamil Nadu are expected to participate.

Leadership and participation

• Protest will be led by TNPTA President Chola Mahendran, with key members like General Secretary Madurai Saravanan, Treasurer Thandapani Villupuram, and District President M Lekshmanan also in attendance.

• Thiruvarur District PTA and other district-level pharma trade leaders are mobilizing for the protest.

Core issues raised

• TNPTA strongly opposes the government's proposal to permit OTC drug sales in grocery shops, calling it a threat to public health and livelihoods.

• The association insists that only licensed pharmacies run by registered pharmacists should dispense any medicine even OTC drugs.

Online pharmacies under fire

• TNPTA also reiterated its demand for a complete ban on e-pharmacies, citing violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

• Chairman Mannargudi Ramachandran said repeated pleas to the government have been ignored, despite the serious implications for traditional traders and consumer safety.

Legal concerns

• According to PTA, neither the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, nor the Drugs Rules, 1945, provide a legal framework for online medicine sales.

• The union government’s failure to regulate these platforms has enabled illegal operations to thrive, affecting brick-and-mortar chemists.

With tensions escalating over proposed changes in India’s retail pharmaceutical landscape, the June 25 protest by TNPTA marks a pivotal moment. Traders are not just fighting for their livelihoods they’re raising the alarm on public health risks and calling for urgent policy review. All eyes will now be on how the Health Ministry and regulators respond to this growing unrest.