Over 800 chemists and druggists across Shivamogga district will down shutters on May 20 as part of a nation-wide protest against the online sale of medicines and the growing threat posed by corporate discounting practices, the Shivamogga District Chemists’ and Druggists’ Association announced on Monday.

Addressing a press conference, the association president, Madhukar S.P., said the protest had been called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists, and the district association had extended its full support. All retail medical shops would remain closed on the day, except those attached to hospitals and clinics.

The association is urging the Central government to withdraw a notification that permitted the online sale of medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic. “That provision is now being misused for the circulation of spurious drugs and scheduled medicines without prescriptions. We are demanding a complete ban on online medicine sales in the interest of public health, particularly to protect the youth,” said Mr. Madhukar.

Former joint secretary Chandrashekhar S. highlighted the threat posed by corporate players offering steep discounts that small retailers cannot match. “Retail chemists operate on a margin of around 17%, which makes it impossible to compete with large companies offering heavy discounts. The government must take serious note of this and step in to protect the livelihoods of small chemists and druggists across the country,” he said.

Office-bearers of the association were present at the press conference.