Ahmedabad: More than 35,000 medical stores across Gujarat remained shut on Tuesday as chemists joined a nationwide one-day strike to protest unresolved issues, particularly the continued operation of online medicine sales despite repeated representations to the government.

The protest is part of a countrywide agitation in which nearly 12.40 lakh chemists across India, including around 3,000 in Ahmedabad alone, have suspended operations for the day. Medical store operators say that despite multiple appeals, authorities have failed to address their concerns over e-pharmacies and online drug trade, prompting them to intensify their protest.

Chemist associations have alleged that online medicine platforms are operating without adequate regulation and have raised concerns over patient safety and unfair business practices. After repeated demands failed to yield results, the associations decided to resort to a strike.

However, to ensure that patients do not face difficulties during emergencies, associations have arranged special provisions across districts and cities. The state Food and Drug Department has also released a list of 832 medical stores across Gujarat that will remain open during the strike to provide essential medicines and emergency support.

Officials said patients can check the district-wise list to identify operational pharmacies in their cities and avoid inconvenience.

Medical associations stated that while the strike is aimed at drawing attention to long-pending demands, emergency healthcare services should not suffer due to the shutdown.