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Mangaluru: Pharmacy shops shut in Dakshina Kannada over online medicine sales

The statewide call for a pharmacy bandh against online sale of medicines was successful in Dakshina Kannada district on Wednesday, with nearly 1,000 medical shops remaining closed.

The bandh was called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) and the Karnataka Chemists and Druggists Association. Members of the South Canara Chemists and Druggists Association supported the protest.

Due to the closure, most medical shops across the district remained shut from morning. Traders stated that increasing online sale of medicines has severely affected traditional medical shops.

Alternative arrangements during bandh

Even during the bandh, some arrangements were made to ensure the supply of essential medicines to the public. Certain pharmacies operated as usual, including hospital-based pharmacies, Jan Aushadhi centres, and some national-level pharmacy chain outlets.

However, in some cases, patients faced difficulties in getting medicines prescribed by doctors due to limited availability of open pharmacies.

Memorandum submitted to district administration

The South Canara District Chemists and Druggists Association submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V.

The memorandum raised concerns over illegal online sale of medicines, fake e-prescriptions, and home delivery of medicines without medical consultation. It stated that such practices pose a risk to patient safety as well as to licensed medical shop owners.

It also stated that the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 does not permit online sale of medicines, but several companies have been operating in violation of the rules in recent years.

The association demanded strict action against illegal online medicine platforms, a complete ban on sale and delivery of medicines without valid e-prescriptions, and an end to excessive discount policies offered by online platforms.

Udupi: Over 600 medical shops join bandh

In Udupi district, more than 600 small and medium-sized pharmacies participated in the bandh, protesting against online sale of medicines.

Members of the District Pharmacy Traders Association submitted a memorandum to the central government through the district administration by visiting the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Most private pharmacies across the district remained closed from morning in support of the bandh. The protest was conducted peacefully without slogans or road demonstrations.

While some major pharmacy chains did not participate and continued operations, certain Jan Aushadhi centres remained open and others were closed.

Association president Ammunje Ramesh Nayak stated that although online pharmacy services were useful during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are not necessary under normal conditions. He also raised concerns about the possibility of illegal medicines and controlled substances being delivered through online platforms.

Representation to central government

Following the direction of the All India Chemists and Druggists Association, representatives of the District Chemists Association, led by president Ammunje Ramesh Nayak, met Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T.K. in the presence of Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar.

A memorandum was submitted to the central government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Association office bearers U. Subrahmanya Rao (secretary), Gurukrupa V. Rao (treasurer), and others including Sharanam Shetty (Sai Radha Group), Vinod Nayak, Ravindra Kamath, Ajith Mendan, Ashok Shetty, Satish, and Vinay were present during the submission.