Nationwide appeal: Pharmacies to stay open on May 20 but chemists show support by sporting black badges and ribbons

Since independence, brick-and-mortar pharmacies have been providing round-the-clock services to the public. | Photo credit: MJ_Prototype

The Mysuru City and District Retail Chemists’ Association (MCDRCA) has announced its moral support to the nationwide bandh call on May 20 against online sale of medicines and abnormal discounts. Retail chemists will wear black badges and ribbons, but shops will not close.

MCDRCA President M. Raju and Secretary Arun CK said in a statement that the association, which has been working tirelessly for several years to protect the interests of chemists and public health, will not close shop while keeping the health interests of the public and patients in mind.

However, they made it clear that the MCDRCA along with its state association – Karnataka Pharma Retailers and Distributors’ Organization (KPRDO) – is constantly fighting against unauthorized online sale of drugs, abnormal and excessive discounts on life-saving drugs and violations of laws by fast-track drug trading apps.

“Many online portals announce excessive discounts on even life-saving medicines and attract the public through social media and advertisements. This sends a wrong message,” MCDRCA said.

Since independence, brick-and-mortar pharmacies have been providing round-the-clock services to the public. “Because of such unhealthy competition, retail chemists are facing difficulties and a situation has arisen where their very existence is threatened. Such developments adversely affect not only the traditional pharmacy sector, but also the public health system,” they said.

In this connection, KPRDO and MCDRCA submitted several memoranda to various Central and State Ministries, Unions and concerned authorities. “We have also personally met the concerned ministers and officials and urged them to take appropriate legal action. It is a matter of satisfaction that as a result of the continuous struggle of KPRDO and our association, the concerned ministries and anti-narcotics departments have already issued several satisfactory orders and circulars,” the statement added.

“Regarding the unauthorized online sale of drugs and violations of the Drug and Cosmetics Act by fast-track drug trading apps, the KPRDO and our association have repeatedly submitted detailed memoranda to the Food and Drug Safety Commissioner, drawing attention to these violations,” they said, calling on authorities to protect public health and protect the “rapidly declining traditional medicine trade.”

The MCDRCA said that the Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Authority, in response to their appeal, issued a historic circular dated March 3, 2026 directing all enforcement officials across Karnataka to take action against unauthorized entities and report. “In this regard, officials are taking legal action in a phased manner,” the MCDRCA said.

Therefore, retail chemists from Mysuru city and district will participate in the protest by wearing black badges and ribbons to provide moral support to the national bandh scheduled on 20th.

Published – 17 May 2026 19:44 IST