Pharmacists’ bandh successful in Madikeri

Private medical shops remained closed in response to the bandh call given by the Karnataka Pharmacists' Association on Friday, opposing the 'e-pharmacy' scheme proposed by the Central government.

As the private pharmacists closed their outlets, members of the public got medicines from the district hospital.

District Pharmacy Association President Ambekal K Jeevan said that the bandh was successful. As many as 120 pharmacy shops were closed as a mark of protest, he said.

"Implementing a scheme facilitating the sale of medicine online is a hasty decision by the government. The pharmacists' associations have been opposing the scheme on the basis of the legal loopholes of the programme. There are high chances of customers getting duped with the online sale of medicines. The Central government has neglected the interests of people," he charged.

He said that the online system encourages the sale of duplicate medicine and the youths may misuse the scheme by ordering drugs which act as intoxicating agents. The patients will be the victims ultimately, Jeevan added.