Chemists to observe nationwide shutdown on May 20 over online drug sales

Several drug traders in Lucknow alleged that online platforms are selling medicines without proper medical consultation or pharmacist verification. They claimed that complaints are increasing about habit-forming drugs reaching young people through these platforms, with particular concern over the misuse of painkillers, sleeping pills and certain restricted medicines.

According to drug traders, local shopkeepers and pharmacists often refuse to sell medicines to suspicious customers, but they claim that such checks are not being effectively implemented on online platforms.

Chemist organisations said the long online supply chain has raised concerns over the quality of medicines. They also point out that online companies are offering discounts far beyond those provided by manufacturers, leading to suspicion of a larger conspiracy.