BHOPAL: Medical stores across Madhya Pradesh will remain closed on May 20 as chemists and druggists protest against online medicine sales. More than 3,000 medical stores in Bhopal are expected to remain shut during the one-day strike.
The shutdown has been called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), with support from local chemist associations and wholesale medicine traders.
The association said all retail and wholesale medicine traders in the district would participate in the strike. It said the protest was aimed at highlighting concerns over the growing online sale of medicines and its impact on public health and safety.
According to the association, the absence of a clear monitoring mechanism for online medicine delivery raises the risk of fake, expired and incorrect medicines reaching consumers. It said such practices could pose a serious threat to patients.
The association has urged residents to purchase essential medicines in advance to avoid inconvenience during the shutdown. However, medical stores operating inside hospitals will remain open to ensure that patients do not face difficulties in accessing medicines.
The protesting traders have also demanded stricter regulation of online medicine sales, action against counterfeit and unregulated medicines, and curbs on heavy discounting by large corporate companies.
The association advised elderly citizens and patients suffering from heart disease, diabetes and blood pressure-related ailments to keep an adequate stock of their regular medicines before May 20.
Disclaimer: This news is based on local media reports and information shared by trader associations.
