Pharmacies shut in AP, TS in support of national strike

Hyderabad, Oct 14: At least 45,000 pharmacies, also known as medical shops, remained closed in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana today in support to the nationwide chemists' strike. The All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD) called for the strike demanding action from the central government against the sale of medicines "illegally" on the Internet. Speaking to media, Ramesh Gupta, president of AP Chemists and Druggists Association said that 20,000 outlets in AP and 25,000 in Telangana downed their shutters today. Ramesh Gupta said the bandh is being observed following the in action of the central government in curbing the "illegal online sale" of medicines. Almost 4 lakh people dependent on medical stores in AP and TS, he added.