More than 1,500 medical shops across Coimbatore district remained closed today as part of a nationwide strike demanding a ban on online medicine sales and regulation of heavy discount practices by corporate pharmacy chains. The shutdown affected the public and caused business losses worth several crores, traders said.
Coimbatore: Medical shop owners and pharmacy traders across the country observed a shutdown protest today, pressing for a ban on online sale of medicines and stricter regulations on large discount schemes offered by corporate pharmacy companies.
Traders also expressed concern over the Central Government’s newly introduced “GSR 220” regulation, stating that it could adversely impact small and independent medical shops.
As part of the protest, more than 1,500 retail and wholesale medical shops remained closed across Coimbatore district. According to traders, the strike has resulted in business losses amounting to several crores of rupees.
Coimbatore District Chemists and Druggists Association Secretary Thirunavukarasu said that certain restricted medicines are being sold online without proper control, while counterfeit medicines are also entering the market under the guise of discounted sales by some corporate firms.
He further stated that the protest was organised to urge authorities to take action against such practices.
For urgent medical needs, the public have been advised to approach pharmacies functioning within hospitals or contact the phone numbers displayed on notices placed outside closed medical shops to obtain medicines.
Traders also expressed concern over the Central Government’s newly introduced “GSR 220” regulation, stating that it could adversely impact small and independent medical shops.
As part of the protest, more than 1,500 retail and wholesale medical shops remained closed across Coimbatore district. According to traders, the strike has resulted in business losses amounting to several crores of rupees.
Coimbatore District Chemists and Druggists Association Secretary Thirunavukarasu said that certain restricted medicines are being sold online without proper control, while counterfeit medicines are also entering the market under the guise of discounted sales by some corporate firms.
He further stated that the protest was organised to urge authorities to take action against such practices.
For urgent medical needs, the public have been advised to approach pharmacies functioning within hospitals or contact the phone numbers displayed on notices placed outside closed medical shops to obtain medicines.