Mysuru Retail Chemists to Extend Moral Support to Nationwide Strike on May 20

Mysuru, May 18: The Mysuru City and District Retail Chemists Association has announced moral support to the nationwide strike call by medicine traders on May 20 against online medicine sales and heavy discount practices.

Addressing reporters, association president M. Raju clarified that medical stores in Mysuru will not remain closed in view of public and patient welfare. Instead, chemists will continue normal business operations while wearing black badge ribbons as a mark of protest and solidarity. He alleged that unauthorized online medicine sales platforms and quick-commerce delivery applications are violating provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The association, along with the KPRDO, has repeatedly submitted detailed representations to the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner highlighting these violations and raising concerns over public health and the declining condition of traditional pharmacy businesses.

Raju stated that following these appeals, the FDA Commissioner issued a historic circular on March 3, 2026, directing enforcement officials across Karnataka to take action against unauthorized entities and submit compliance reports. He added that authorities have already begun initiating legal action in phases. Association working president S. Devaraj, secretary C. K. Arun, treasurer Mansoor Ahmed Khan, vice-president S. Umesh, and joint secretary H. V. Chandrashekar were also present during the press conference.