Over 1,500 pharmacies in city join nationwide shutdown call

Coimbatore: More than 1,500 licensed pharmacies and retail medical stores in Coimbatore were shut down on Wednesday, following a nationwide strike announced by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD).The AIOCD had called for a nationwide one-day pharmacy shutdown to protest the unregulated online medicine sales and to protect traditional pharmacies from severe losses caused by massive discounting by large corporate players.In Coimbatore city, the strike saw many retail chemist shops remain closed in support of the protest. However, a few well-known chain pharmacies continued operations despite the call for shutdown. Initially, only emergency medicines were provided; later, following the discussion with the association, the chain shops were also shut down in the city.The agitation highlights growing concerns among small and independent pharmacy owners over unfair competition, regulatory gaps, and the threat posed to their livelihoods by expanding online and corporate-controlled medicine retail systems across the country today.District secretary of AIOCD S Gopalakrishnan said, "Prescription is mandatory in physical purchase, whereas in online purchase, all medicines are easily accessible, including narcotics, which strictly need regulations. For instance, pills for abortion, sleeping pills need to be provided as per prescription, but these are very much available online. Any excess composition in the tablet might lead to severe health complications and even danger to life. Also, the age of the purchaser is not known online, but any minor or younger person buying at the shop will be restricted."