Mixed response from medical stores to bandh call in Bengaluru, other parts of state

BENGALURU: The call for shutting down medical stores evoked mixed response in Bengaluru and across the state on Wednesday with many including chain stores, remaining open. It was expected that over 3,000 medical stores would be closed in Bengaluru in response to the bandh call opposing e-pharmacies.

Several medical stores in the city were been closed since midnight. While a few medical stores outside KC General Hospital premises and in Majestic area were closed, store owners supported a complete closure of medical stores.

However, medical stores on 8th Main Road in Malleswaram, Victoria Hospital and near Shivananda Circle were open on Wednesday including MedPlus and other medical shops. Most stores expressed moral support. Customers were seen coming as usual and buying medicines. In Basavanagudi, a unique protest was held by sweeping garbage on the premises near Dodda Ganapathi temple.

The Karnataka Pharma Retailers and Distributors Organization (KPRDO) and Chemist Brigade Bengaluru also extended moral suppor and the association said it will not participate in the bandh. At some places, people waiting since morning for medicines and for the medical stores to open. A person was seen waiting for tablets with a doctor’s prescription in hand and there was palpable public anger over the medical store bandh.

Concerns of drug stores

Unregulated online sale of medicines.

Problems due to the menace of illegal e-pharmacies.

Greater risk from use of fake prescriptions.

Misuse of antibiotics and habit-forming drugs.

Lack of direct contact between patient and pharmacist.

Unnecessary and excessive discount policies are harmful.

Fear of monopoly creation in the drug market.