Nationwide protest against online medicine sales: 30k shops likely to remain shut in Odisha on May 20

Medicine shops across Odisha will shut for 24 hours on May 20, protesting online drug sales and alleged misuse of digital platforms. The Utkal Chemists and Druggists Association highlights concerns over "illegal" e-pharmacies, deep discounting by large firms, and potential public health risks like antimicrobial resistance. They demand withdrawal of temporary Covid-era notifications and fair competition policies.