The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggist (AIOCD) has called for a strike on September 28 to oppose online sale of medicines.

"We are observing one day strike on Friday, September 28 to protest against any move by the government allowing sale of medicines through internet or allowing e-pharmacies to operate in India in any form," AIOCD said in a statement.

AIOCD president JS Shinde pointed out that online players offer discount up to 50 to 70 per cent openly while total trade margin is restricted at 16 per cent to retailers and 10 per cent to wholesalers which needs to be checked as drug prices are regulated, controlled by the government with Drug Price Control Orders (DPCO).

We have made repeated appeals by memorandums to the government, concerned ministers, and departments, state food and drug administration citing "numerous cases of illegal online sale of medicines" by so called e-pharmacies, and portals and observed twice a one day all India chemists bandh to sensitise the seriousness of this issue, Shinde said.

"If the government does not consider our appeal positively then AIOCD shall not have any option but to go for nationwide indefinite agitation against online sale of medicine", said.