16,000 Medical Shops To Shut From May 20 In Hyderabad; Know Why Pharmacies Have Called A Bandh Protest

Medical shops across Hyderabad will remain closed from May 20 after chemists and druggists' associations announced a bandh against the continued online sale of medicines and the heavy discounts offered by e-pharmacy platforms. Around 16,000 pharmacies, including major chains and small independent stores, are expected to participate in the shutdown.

The protest comes following a nationwide call by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), which has been backed by the Telangana association.

Chemists Raise Concerns Over Online Medicine Sales

Chemists' associations said online sale of medicines was permitted during the Covid-19 pandemic through a government order, but argued that the system has continued even after the health crisis ended. According to them, unrestricted online sales are severely affecting traditional pharmacy businesses.

The associations claimed that thousands of small medical shops are struggling to compete with online platforms that continue to expand rapidly across cities and towns. They demanded that governments enforce the same rules for online pharmacies that apply to physical medical stores.

They also urged authorities to take legal action against platforms or sellers supplying medicines without prescriptions issued by qualified doctors.

Associations Question Massive Online Discounts

Krishnamurthi, president of the Langar House Medical Shops Association, questioned how online medicine companies are able to offer steep discounts on medicines.

"Retail pharmacies get a maximum margin of 25% from distributors. Online platforms are offering discounts ranging from 40% to 60%. Governments must investigate how such pricing is possible," he said.

The associations argued that such aggressive discounting creates an uneven market and threatens the survival of neighbourhood medical stores that depend on limited margins.

Telangana Chemists Call For Full Participation

Telangana Chamber of Chemists and Druggists Association general secretary Sanjay Kumar Modi and treasurer Anand Kumar Goud appealed to pharmacy owners across the state to support the bandh and ensure its success.

The associations said the protest is aimed at pushing governments to regulate online medicine sales more strictly and protect the interests of retail pharmacists.

Emergency Medicines To Be Available During Bandh

Despite the shutdown, chemists' associations clarified that emergency medical services would not be affected. Hyderabad Chemists and Druggists Association president Arugonda Sridhar Gupta and honorary president Venkataramana Reddy said arrangements have been made to provide urgent medicines during the bandh.

People requiring emergency medicines can contact 7569359595 and 9281094907 for assistance.