Chemists begin stir against e-pharmacies

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 20

Pharmacy owners on Thursday initiated a symbolic protest against the government for its decision to allow e-pharmacies in the country. Punjab Chemists Association general secretary Surinder Duggal said the pharmacists, other staff members and all chemist shop owners would wear black badges at work till September 27.

The association also announced to keep the shops closed on September 28 as a mark of protest. Duggal said that a letter from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in August had mentioned that the government had amended Drugs and Cosmetics Act to allow e-pharmacies.

The chemists stated that while the decision would affect thousands of persons engaged in the trade, it would also be against the interest of the patients. Duggal said the move would facilitate easy availability of banned medicines for youth and the chances of misuse would be more. The fraternity stated that it would create irrational competition which would against the interests of retailers.

The association claimed that online pharmacies would also play with the life of patients as it would be difficult to track their activities.