DK-Udupi: Some medical shops shut today
Mangaluru/Udupi: Some medical shops in Dakshina Kannada district are likely to remain closed on May 20 in support of a nationwide bandh called against online sale of medicines.
The shutdown has been called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists and the Karnataka Chemists and Druggists Association. Members of the South Kanara Chemists and Druggists Association have extended support to the protest.
As a result, several medical shops in Dakshina Kannada are expected to remain closed throughout Wednesday.
Medical shop owners have alleged that the increasing sale of medicines through online platforms has severely affected traditional pharmacies. They have also raised concerns over medicines being sold without prescriptions, the possibility of fake medicines entering the market, misuse of antibiotics and risks posed by unregulated e-pharmacy systems to public health.
Alternative arrangements in placeAssistant Drugs Controllers said that some medical stores will continue operations to ensure supply of essential medicines to the public.
Pharmacies run by several national-level medicine companies, Jan Aushadhi centres and medical stores functioning inside hospitals across the district will remain open as usual.
The Assistant Drugs Controller in Mangaluru has been appointed as the nodal officer. The public can contact the office on 9448205177 or 0824-2218451 for assistance.
Pharmacies in Udupi to join protestIn Udupi district, the District Chemists and Druggists Association has announced that medical shops across the district will remain closed on Wednesday as part of the protest.
However, pharmacies operated by national-level pharmaceutical companies, hospital pharmacies and Jan Aushadhi centres will function normally.
The district association has already submitted a memorandum to the district administration supporting the nationwide strike call given by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists and the Karnataka State Chemists and Druggists Association.