On Wednesday, chemist and druggist shops across Imphal, the capital of Manipur, India, were closed in response to a nationwide strike led by the All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists. This protest, spearheaded by the Manipur Chemists & Druggists Association (MCDA), aimed to address critical issues such as the ban on online sales of medicines, the curtailment of deep discounts offered by corporate pharmacy platforms, and the prevention of counterfeit drugs in circulation. The 24-hour shutdown impacted both wholesale and retail shops in all 16 districts of Manipur. Protesters displayed placards demanding the withdrawal of specific government notifications related to online sales, which they argue could lead to the distribution of fake medicines. MCDA Secretary Thokchom Dwijamani emphasized the dangers of online sales, stating that many platforms bypass essential prescription verification, potentially allowing unverified and habit-forming drugs to reach consumers. The association urged the public to support local pharmacies and called for a reevaluation of policies governing online medicine sales.