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Mangaluru: Pharmacies in DK to remain closed on May 20 to protest online medicine sales

  •   Sun, May 17 2026 09:47:44 AM

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.

 

 
  

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Comment on this article

  • Malinga, Kudla

    Mon, May 18 2026

    None of the concerns raised are genuine. The only concern by these drug cartel is the medicines are available online for a very cheaper prices than being sold at the pharmacy shops. Earlier they had problems with Jan Aushadhi Kendras too!

    DisAgree Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • KS Mayya, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Mon, May 18 2026

    Protesting the Ola, Uber is no different than this protest; it's a shame that Ola and Uber did not take off in Mangalore. I recently visited a monopoly pharmacist famous in Mangalore. Their attitude and their conduct reeks of monopoly and was wondering why I should go there and not order online. Competition helps the customer and these pharmacies better fall in line. All pharmacies that we frequent in Bangalore at least offer 10% discount to ensure customer returns. I do not see that customer friendliness in Mangalore. With more health insurance related cashless reimbursements tied with App based pharma purchases, pharmacies in Mangalore should learn to adapt rather than fight what is rightfully the customer's rights and choices.

    DisAgree Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse


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