Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, May 17: The Dakshina Kannada Chemists and Druggists Association has announced a 24-hour shutdown of all pharmacies across the district on May 20, protesting the unregulated sale of medicines online.

Addressing a press conference in the city, association president Arun Shetty stated that the strike is in support of a nationwide bandh called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) and the Karnataka Chemists and Druggists Association. He confirmed that all members of the South Canara Chemists and Druggists Association will extend their complete support to the bandh on May 20.

Representational image

Risks of online sales

Highlighting the dangers of unregulated online platforms, Shetty pointed out that the online sale of medicines poses severe risks, including the abuse of scheduled drugs, self-medication, and the procurement of drugs using fake prescriptions. He also raised concerns about the potentially unsafe storage and supply chains of online pharmacies.

"When medicines purchased online are misused, it unfairly raises suspicions against local, physical medical shops. Although the AIOCD has submitted several memorandums to the central government regarding these grave issues, there has been no positive response. Therefore, we are observing this bandh to strongly demand a complete ban on the sale of medicines through online web portals," Shetty explained.

Association secretary Dr A K Jamal, vice president Amruth Kiran Rai, joint secretary Srinivasa Bhat, treasurer Chandrashekhara Bhat, and committee members Suresh Alva and Sharanam Shetty were present at the press conference.