More than 7,000 medical stores across Surat are likely to remain closed on Wednesday
Surat Medical Stores closed: More than 7,000 medical stores across Surat are likely to remain closed on Wednesday as pharmacy owners and medicine traders intensify their protest against the growing impact of online pharmacies and the alleged increase in fake medicine circulation.
The shutdown is part of a larger statewide protest announced by pharmacy and chemist associations across Gujarat. Traders claim that aggressive online discounting and the unchecked sale of medicines through digital platforms are severely affecting small and independent medical store businesses.
According to pharmacy representatives, the protest aims to draw the government’s attention toward issues related to unfair competition, medicine safety, and the survival of traditional medicine retailers
Medical Traders Oppose Online Pharmacy Expansion
Medicine traders and chemist associations have alleged that online pharmacy companies are offering heavy discounts that local retailers cannot compete with. They claim such practices are gradually harming small pharmacy businesses operating across cities and towns. Pharmacy owners also raised concerns regarding the alleged rise in fake and unregulated medicines entering the market through unauthorized channels.
Traders Claim Small Businesses Are Suffering
Local chemists say that many small medical store owners are witnessing declining sales due to changing consumer habits and online medicine delivery services.
According to traders:
- Heavy online discounts are reducing local sales
- Small pharmacy businesses are struggling financially
- Fake medicine circulation is becoming a serious concern
- Customer trust in local medical stores is being affected
Several pharmacy owners stated that stricter regulations are needed to maintain transparency and medicine quality standards.
Emergency Medical Services to Continue
Despite the proposed shutdown, pharmacy associations have clarified that emergency healthcare needs will be considered to avoid inconvenience for the public.
Limited Medical Stores to Remain Open
To ensure essential medicine availability, associations have decided that 1 to 2 medical stores in each area may remain operational during the protest period. This arrangement is expected to help patients requiring urgent medicines, emergency prescriptions, or critical healthcare support. Citizens are being advised to purchase essential medicines in advance if required.
Growing Debate Around Online Medicine Platforms
The rise of online pharmacy platforms has become a major discussion topic across India in recent years. Supporters argue that online medicine delivery provides convenience, lower prices, and better accessibility, especially for elderly patients and remote areas.
However, traditional pharmacy owners believe that lack of strict monitoring may create risks related to:
- Fake medicines
- Prescription misuse
- Unregulated medicine delivery
- Unauthorized sales practices
Industry experts have repeatedly called for stronger regulation and balanced policies to protect both consumer interests and small businesses.
Surat Among Gujarat’s Largest Medicine Markets
Surat is considered one of Gujarat’s major healthcare and pharmaceutical retail hubs. Thousands of medical stores operate across the city, serving lakhs of customers daily.
Key Areas Likely to Be Affected
Medical stores in several major areas may remain closed, including:
- Adajan
- Varachha
- Katargam
- Vesu
- Udhna
- Citylight
- Ring Road
- Athwa
However, emergency pharmacies are expected to continue functioning in selected locations.
Chemist Associations Demand Government Intervention
Pharmacy traders are now demanding immediate government intervention to address issues related to online pharmacy operations and counterfeit medicine circulation.
Key Demands Raised by Traders
- Strict regulation of online pharmacies
- Action against fake medicine networks
- Fair pricing competition policies
- Better monitoring of medicine distribution channels
- Protection for small and independent chemists
Associations say the protest is intended to create awareness among authorities and the public regarding the challenges faced by traditional medicine retailers.
Public Asked to Cooperate During One-Day Protest
Pharmacy associations have appealed to citizens to cooperate during the temporary shutdown and avoid panic buying. Traders emphasized that emergency medicine arrangements will remain available throughout the protest.
The one-day closure is expected to impact thousands of customers across Surat and other Gujarat cities, while also highlighting the growing tension between traditional pharmacy businesses and rapidly expanding online healthcare platforms.
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