Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Oct 13: Numerous private chemists and druggists will Wednesday remain closed to protest against the unregulated mushrooming of online pharmacy stores that have threatened the local medical shops.
the All India Organisation of Chemists and Drug (AIOCD) has called a one-day shutdown of all private medicine shops as part of efforts to raise the issue vehemently and highlight issues that have been taking a toll on local chemists across the country.
In Orissa, the Utkal Chemists and Druggists Association, working under the banner of the national body, will implement the shutdown. It has requested all private chemists to cooperate for a common cause.
“The shut down has been called to show solidarity with all the chemists whose occupations have been threatened by these online pharmaceuticals who often flout norms and also compromise with standards,” said Ajay Kumar Goenka, the treasurer of the local association.
Goenka said most of these online platforms are been pushed by big corporate houses. A few states such as Maharashtra have tried to curb unregulated growth of this sector, the Centre and many states are mum on the issue.
The association, meanwhile, has requested the on campus medicine shops not to interfere with the distribution of life saving drugs. According to the association, A peace protest has been organised near circuit house in the state capital while in every district a protests will be held in front of the collector’s office.
The association claimed that although chemist shops on the campuses of government and private hospitals also wanted to join the show, they were asked not to as otherwise it could have affected the public.
In Orissa, around 18, 000 chemist shops are expected to be closed Wednesday.
