Medical Shops Across State to Remain Closed on May 20 Over E Pharmacy Protest
Medical shop associations announced a statewide shutdown on May 20 to protest against online medicine sales, raising concerns over fake prescriptions, unsafe drugs and business losses.
- Medical shops announce statewide bandh
- E pharmacy sales face strong opposition
- Chemists raise concerns over fake medicines
Medical shops across the state are expected to remain closed on May 20 as pharmacy associations prepare for a large scale protest against the growing online medicine business.
The shutdown call has been supported by drug control officers and chemist associations, who allege that online pharmacy platforms are operating without proper checks and putting public health at risk. According to them, dangerous medicines and even fake drugs are being supplied through online channels without strict verification.
Pharmacy groups say many e pharmacy companies are delivering medicines without properly confirming prescriptions or consulting doctors. They also expressed concern that old prescriptions are being reused repeatedly to purchase medicines online.
Association leaders warned that the misuse of artificial intelligence tools could make the problem more serious in the future. They claim fake prescriptions can now be created easily using AI technology, which may lead to the uncontrolled use of antibiotics and addictive medicines.
Chemists also argue that heavy discounts offered by online platforms are badly affecting small medical shops, especially in villages and small towns where people still depend mainly on local pharmacies for emergency medicines and healthcare support.
The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists stated that if the situation continues without stronger regulation, many small pharmacy businesses could shut down permanently. They fear this may eventually create medicine supply problems in several areas.
The protest is mainly aimed at demanding stricter action against unregulated online medicine sales and ensuring better safety standards for patients across the country.
