While chemists’ associations in multiple states extended support to the strike, Karnataka and nearly a dozen other states did not participate in the protest. The lack of uniform participation highlighted divisions within the pharmacy retail sector over the approach to addressing grievances against online competitors.
In Maharashtra, including Mumbai, a large number of medical stores remained closed as part of the strike, resulting in inconvenience for customers seeking essential medicines and healthcare supplies. However, several pharmacy owners chose to keep their stores open, emphasizing the essential nature of medical services and the need to avoid public hardship.
Speaking on the matter, Shantilal, owner of Sangoi Medical Store in Malad, stated that shutting down medical stores was not an appropriate form of protest. He said that medical services are directly connected to patient care and life, and operators entered the profession with an understanding of its essential responsibilities.
He further added that traders and chemists have multiple democratic avenues to present their concerns before the government, stressing that a complete shutdown should be avoided given its impact on patients and families dependent on timely access to medicines.
The strike has once again underscored the growing friction between traditional chemists and online pharmacy companies over pricing strategies, deep discounting, and increasing competition in the pharmaceutical retail sector.
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