Hyderabad Medical Shops Bandh Today, May 20

Medical stores across Hyderabad remained shut as chemists and pharmacists staged a protest against the growing sale of medicines through online platforms. The bandh was part of a nationwide protest called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). Thousands of medical shops across Telangana participated in the shutdown.

According to pharmacy associations, online medicine platforms are affecting the business of small medical shops by offering heavy discounts and home delivery services. They said local pharmacies are finding it difficult to compete with large e-pharmacy companies.

Chemists also raised concerns about the safety of online medicine sales. They alleged that some online platforms sell medicines without proper prescription checks. Pharmacy groups warned that this could lead to misuse of medicines and increase health risks for people.

Reports say nearly 16,000 medical stores in Hyderabad and several other shops across Telangana joined the protest. Similar shutdowns were also observed in many states across the country.

Despite the bandh, emergency medicine services were kept available for the public. Authorities advised some corporate pharmacy chains and hospital medical stores to remain open to avoid inconvenience for patients. The Telangana Drugs Control Administration also arranged helpline support for emergency medicine needs.

Pharmacy associations said their protest is aimed at demanding stricter rules for online medicine sales and equal regulations for both online and offline medical businesses. They urged the government to take action to protect traditional pharmacy stores and ensure public safety.