Lagatar24 Desk
Patna: Drug traders across Bihar and the rest of the country have announced a one-day strike on May 20 to protest against online medicine sales and the central government’s new drug policy, with both wholesale and retail shops set to remain shut for the entire day.
Associations Back the Strike
The Bihar Chemist and Druggist Association and the Patna Chemist and Druggist Association have extended their support to the strike. Drug traders argue that online medicine sales are severely impacting traditional medical stores, and that new policies have created a financial crisis for small pharmacy owners. They are demanding that the government introduce strict regulations to control online drug sales and protect the interests of small traders.
Phased Protest Before the Strike
Traders will begin wearing black badges from May 16 to 19 as a mark of symbolic protest. They will formally begin their agitation from May 19, with all medical stores remaining completely shut on May 20. Patna unit president Arjun Kumar Yadav has appealed to all drug sellers to remain united in the movement, warning that the agitation will be intensified if their demands are not addressed.
Public Advised to Stock Up on Medicines
The associations have urged common citizens and patients to purchase their required medicines in advance to avoid any inconvenience during the strike period.
