Mysuru: Over 834 medical shops in the city downed shutters today in response to the nationwide bandh call given by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists and Karnataka Chemists and Druggists Association, in protest against online sale of medicines and to stress for fulfilment of various demands.

In all, there are 1,700 medical shops in the district (supported by the Mysuru District Chemists and Druggists Association (MDCDA), out of which 1,400 had closed shop following a 24-hour bandh call, that began from midnight of May 29 and will end on midnight of May 30.  

However, normal life was not affected as medical shops attached to the hospitals like Janata Bazar, Jan Aushad, Med Plus and Apollo Pharma were seen selling medicines.

Meanwhile, MDCDA President K.V. Prakash and Treasurer U.S. Harish-led 20-member team presented a signed memorandum following a signature campaign, to the Deputy Commissioner. They have stated that their main demand included a complete stop to online business by e-Pharmacies, which are carrying out sales in violation of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The dispensation of medicines only under the supervision of Pharmacist, stern measures to prevent narcotic and psychotropic medicines falling into the hands of young people, ensuring availability of life saving drugs in rural areas and elimination of confusions in the renewal of pharmacy licences, were some of the demands among others.

The queues were a little longer at the outlets that were open and a few people who did not know about the strike were seen going in search of medical shops that were open to buy drugs.

Hotel strike

Even as hotels in the Bengaluru were closed today in protest against levy of GST ranging from 12 per cent to 28 per cent, the hotels in the city decided not to participate in the protest. Instead, they decided to hold a health camp for the welfare of hotel workers.