Chemist association of Rajasthan has decided to support the nationwide bandh on Friday
Chemist shops across the state will remain closed on September 28 taking part in the All India Bandh called by various trade bodies against the online retailing of drugs at prices that are reportedly bleeding them dry.
City based chemists informed DNA that they are against the online pharmacy shops which are offering medicines online. They say it is against the rules of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and depicts different set of rules for the traditional shops and online shops.
“The All India association has given the call against online sale of medicines as there is no provision of online sales in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which provisions that it cannot be sold online and if it’s done it is not legal,” said Ambrish Kaushik, President of Jaipur chemists association said informing DNA.
Not only Jaipur but 45,000 shops across the state, including some 5,000 in Jaipur, shall remain closed on Friday. The traditional medical shops are seeing the online pharmacy business as a potential trade threat and are demanding online pharmacy should not be made legal. There are a large number of people who have started buying medicines from online pharmacy platforms.
The Government Stand
The state government swung into action on Thursday to ensure that drugs are available in the state. Instructions to this end have been given to all private hospitals to keep their medical stores open. Private pharmacy chains like Apollo and others have also been instructed to keep stores open.
“We have ensured that medicines would be available in abundance at all Community Health Centers, Primary Health Centers, District Hospitals, Sub Centers, Hospitals associated to Medical Colleges, PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra, Life Line Fluid Stores and Co operative medical stores across the state. Out of 45,000 retail and wholesale drug stores, around 25% will be open on Friday so the people do not face problem,” said Ajay Phatak, Drug Controller.
“We have directed the district Chief Medical and Health Officer CM&HOs to keep abundant stock of medicines at their respective government health facilities and medical stores. People can get medicines at govt dispensaries and hospitals throughout the state,” claimed health minister, Kalicharan Saraf.
Pain Is In Store
- Around 45,000 medical stores and chemists shall remain closed on Friday.
- Jaipur alone accounts for 5,000 of these out-of-service drug stores
- Government officials said that at lease one out of four outlets shall remain open
- Drugs shall be available at all govt hospitals and dispensaries in state
Get Meds Here
Medicines would be available in abundance at all Community Health Centers, Primary Health Centers, District Hospitals, Sub Centers, Hospitals associated to Medical Colleges, PM Jan Aushadhi Kendra & Life Line Fluid Stores.
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