Mangaluru: Medical shops in Dakshina Kannada district will remain closed on May 20 to protest against the online sale of medicines, the Dakshina Kannada Druggists and Chemists Association has stated.

Speaking at a press conference held in Mangaluru, association president Arun Shetty said that the nationwide strike is being organized following a call given by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) and the Karnataka Chemists and Druggists Association. All members of the South Canara Chemists and Druggists Association will support the strike. Medical shops will remain closed for 24 hours on May 20, he said.

The unregulated sale of medicines online poses risks such as the misuse of scheduled drugs, self-medication, and obtaining medicines using fake prescriptions. There is also a possibility of unsafe storage and delivery of medicines supplied online. Furthermore, when medicines purchased online are misused, it creates suspicion surrounding physical medical shops. Although the AIOCD has submitted several memorandums to the Central government regarding this issue, there has been no response. Against this backdrop, the strike is being held to demand a ban on the sale of medicines through website portals and online platforms, he added.

Association secretary Dr A. K. Jamal, vice president Amrith Kiran Rai, joint secretary Srinivasa Bhat, treasurer Chandrashekhar Bhat, and committee members Suresh Alva and Sharanam Shetty were present.