Medicine Shops Closed May 20: Medical shops will remain closed across the country including UP on May 20 in protest against online medicine sales. Chemist organizations have expressed concern over fake prescriptions and online sale of drugs. People have been appealed to buy medicines first.
The protest of chemist organizations against online medicine sale has now intensified across the country including UP. All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) and Lucknow Chemist Welfare Association have announced a nationwide strike on May 20.
Most of the medical stores in Uttar Pradesh will remain closed during this strike. Chemist organizations say that problems like sale of medicines on fake prescriptions and drug abuse through online platforms are increasing rapidly, which can become a big threat to the safety of patients and youth.
Why is the strike happening?
Chemist organizations allege that online medicine companies are harming traditional medical shops by offering huge discounts and using digital mediums. Along with this, safety concerns are also increasing due to the sale of medicines without proper testing. According to the organizations, controlled and narcotic drugs are being sold online through AI based prescriptions and fake medical slips. He says that this may increase the risk of misuse of medicines in the new generation.
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Major drug markets of Lucknow will remain closed
Major drug markets of Lucknow are likely to remain completely closed during the strike. These:
- Aminabad
- Chowk
- Aliganj
- Gomti Nagar
- Indira Nagar
Like big medical markets are involved. Both retail and wholesale medicine shops will take part in this movement.
However, keeping in mind the essential services, it is being considered to keep the medical stores attached to some government hospitals open. Separate arrangements can be made especially for medical stores attached to King George’s Medical University (KGMU).
Appeal to patients to buy medicine first
AIOCD and Lucknow Chemists Welfare Association have appealed to the common people to purchase essential medicines of daily use before May 20, so that there is no problem during the strike. The organizations have also made it clear that efforts will be made to maintain the availability of life-saving and essential medicines, so that patients do not have to face serious problems.
‘Patients’ safety is the biggest priority’
Chemists Welfare Association says that their movement is not only for business interests but also for the safety of patients. He claims that there are many flaws in the current model of online medicine sales, which are being misused. The organizations want the government to implement strict rules regarding online medicine sales and ban sales through fake prescriptions.
What will be the impact?
This strike of May 20 can have an impact on common patients, hospitals and medicine supply chain. Especially those people who regularly take medicines for blood pressure, diabetes, heart or other serious diseases, they have been advised to prepare in advance. Experts believe that balancing between online and offline medical systems will be a big challenge for the government in the coming times. With the expansion of digital health services, it is also considered necessary to strengthen patient safety and drug control system.
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