All Major Pharmacy Chains, Hospital-Based Medical Stores, Jan Aushadhi Kendras To Remain Open On May 20

Key points

• All Major Pharmacy Chains, Hospital-Based Medical Stores, Jan Aushadhi Kendras To Remain Open On May 20 Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 18:34 IST The move comes in the wake of representatives of the AIOCD recently meeting the national drug regulator and submitting concerns on e-pharmacies.
• The regulator, the sources said, assured them that the issues raised are under active review and that the regulatory framework governing the sector is being examined to address legitimate concerns of retail pharmacy stakeholders.
• (Representational image) All major pharmacy chains, hospital-based medical stores, Jan Aushadhi Kendras and AMRIT pharmacy outlets across the country will remain open on May 20 despite a nationwide shutdown call given by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) against e-pharmacies, sources said on Tuesday.
• This is in addition to several state-level pharmacy associations which have already opted out of the proposed nationwide strike, they said.
• The...