Mysuru pharmacists divided over proposed bandh

Mysuru: Pharmacists in Mysuru are divided over the proposed dawn-to-dusk bandh on May 20, despite sharing the same demands.

While the Karnataka govt has advised the pharmacy fraternity not to disrupt services, confusion prevails in the city as a section of pharmacists’ associations have taken varying positions on the strike.

Sources said that although many pharmacists support the issues being raised, a majority are unwilling to shut their shops for the full-day protest. Instead, several have opted for a symbolic protest and plan to submit a memorandum to the deputy commissioner.

At the same time, some associations are backing the 6 am to 6 pm bandh, while at least two other associations have openly opposed the closure of medical stores. This lack of unity has reduced the possibility of a complete shutdown in Mysuru.

Hospital pharmacies, chain medical stores and a large number of retail pharmacies are expected to remain open despite the call for closure. Medicines supply is therefore likely to continue without major interruption.

According to pharmacists, Mysuru district has around 1,500 pharmacists, making it one of the important centres for pharmacy services in the region.

Mysuru District Chemists and Druggist Welfare Association president Kumaraswamy and secretary Amanullah have supported the one-day strike call given by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists. Their demands include stopping online sale of medicines, curbing aggressive deep discounting by corporates and withdrawing Covid-time regulatory relaxations that allow delivery of drugs to doorsteps. They said hospital pharmacies will remain open for emergency cases.

However, Karnataka Pharma Retailers and Distributors Organisation, Mysuru chapter president Raju M and secretary Arun CK said nearly 80% of pharmacists in Mysuru are members of their organisation. While supporting the cause, they said they would not down shutters as it would inconvenience patients. They added that their association already submitted a memorandum pressing for these demands.