Ratia, May 18:- Medical stores in Ratia will remain closed on May 20 in protest against online drug sales, heavy discounts, and various other issues affecting the pharmaceutical trade. In this regard, office bearers of the Ratia Medical Chemist Union met with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Ratia, Surender Singh, submitted a memorandum outlining their demands, and urged the government to impose effective controls on the online sale of medicines.
The delegation, led by Union President Rajendra Laduna, included Patron Narendra Mittal, Vice President Sundar Lali, General Secretary Vimal Bansal, and Cashier Dinesh Sharma. The office bearers stated that the shutdown proposed by chemist organizations across the district for May 20 is receiving widespread support, and medical stores in Ratia will also observe a complete closure.
Union officials explained that online pharmaceutical companies are adversely affecting the traditional medical trade by offering heavy discounts, thereby creating a financial crisis for small-scale medical store operators. They further warned that the online availability of medicines without medical advice could pose a threat to public health. Instances of incorrect medication usage are frequently coming to light, potentially putting patients' lives at risk.
They noted that the businesses of medical store operators—who have been serving people in rural areas for years—are facing continuous disruption. Meanwhile, online platforms, in collaboration with large corporations, are creating an imbalance in the market. The Union has demanded that the government formulate strict regulations regarding the sale of medicines and establish effective oversight mechanisms for online pharmaceutical trade.
The Union officials clarified that the objective of the shutdown is not to cause inconvenience to the general public, but rather to draw the government's attention toward ensuring the availability of safe and authentic medicines for the people. Furthermore, they stated that arrangements are being considered to ensure that essential services remain available for critical patients during the shutdown.