Assam, Mysuru Pharmacists Split Over Nationwide May 20 Bandh Call
New Delhi: Differences have surfaced among pharmacy associations across the country over the proposed nationwide bandh on May 20 called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) against online medicine sales, deep discounting by corporate players and alleged irregularities in the e-pharmacy sector.
In Assam, the Assam Drug Dealers’ Association (ADDA) has refused to support the proposed shutdown and announced that pharmacies across the state will remain open to ensure uninterrupted medicine supply and patient care.
The bandh has been called to protest against online sale of medicines, heavy discounting practices by large corporate entities and the continuation of Covid-era relaxations allowing doorstep delivery of medicines. Pharmacy associations have also demanded stricter regulation and action against illegal online drug trade.
ADDA general secretary Bikram Choudhury said the association would not participate in any protest that affects patients or disrupts access to essential medicines. He stated that previous shutdowns had failed to stop online pharmacy businesses and instead ended up indirectly benefiting them.
ADDA president Pramod Mor said that although the association opposes illegal online sale of medicines, pharmacies under the organisation would continue operations on May 20 in the interest of public healthcare services. He also urged authorities to directly act against violators instead of shutting down retail pharmacies.
Meanwhile, pharmacists in Mysuru remain divided over participation in the bandh despite supporting the broader demands raised by pharmacy bodies. Different pharmacist groups in the city have taken contrasting positions regarding closure of medical stores.
Some associations in Mysuru have extended support to the dawn-to-dusk bandh from 6 am to 6 pm, while others have opposed shutting pharmacies and instead preferred symbolic protests and submission of memorandums to authorities.
According to a recent media report in ET Pharma, hospital pharmacies, chain pharmacies and several retail medical stores in Mysuru are expected to remain operational despite the bandh call, reducing the chances of a complete shutdown in the city.
Another ET Pharma report adds that associations supporting the bandh have reiterated demands including banning online medicine sales, curbing deep discounting practices and withdrawing relaxations permitting doorstep delivery of medicines, while pharmacist groups opposing the strike argued that closure of pharmacies could negatively affect patients and healthcare services.
