AHMEDABAD: Around 22,000 chemists across the state joined the nationwide strike of All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) on Tuesday, as part of protest against the government’s move to impose stricter rules on the sale of medicines. More than 8 lakh chemists from across the country have joined the strike opposing the sale of drugs online, as they fear it would promote sale of fake medicines, said Jashvant Patel , president, Gujarat State Federation of Chemists and Druggists Association (GSFCDA). Customers were worst affected in rural areas, as only pharmacies attached to hospitals were open and people had to travel long to get medicines.Urban customers, however, were not affected much, as most privately-held chain stores, as well as 24-hour shops were open. Most pharmacies attached to government-run hospitals and private hospitals remained open. “We kept our store open because we did not ally with the demands made by the association. The government’s proposal for updating sales and purchase records on a daily basis is wise, and will help minimize malpractice,” said Ankur Agarwal , founder of a privately-held chain.“I did not know about the strike. A few chemists near my place in Ambawadi were shut and I had to urgently get my wife’s diabetes medicines,” said Vrajesh Parikh , a city-based professional. “I rushed to VS Hospital. However, even privately-held chemists located opposite the hospital were also closed,” he added.“A man told me privately-held chain stores are open, and I could easily get my medicines from there,” said Parikh.