Pharmacists go on mass casual leave

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, April 28

All dispensaries in government hospitals remained closed today as pharmacists went on a mass casual leave in support of their 18-point charter of demands, causing inconvenience to patients.

They staged a demonstration at the Directorate (Medical and Health).

Members of the Diploma Pharmacists’ Association, had launched an agitation for their demands last week with a dharna at the district headquarters. They went on mass casual leave today.

Although the dispensary remained closed at the Doon hospital, pharmacists continued to perform emergency duties. Rabies injections, too, were administered to patients in the morning hours.

“The government had assured us of speedy action but nothing has come about and our demands are still pending,” said Suresh Joshi, district president of the association.

The pharmacists are demanding patient care allowance, reorganisation of cadre, transfer of pharmacists from sub-centres to community health centres and primary health centres.

Meanwhile, due to the closure of the dispensary at the Doon Hospital, patients were seen buying medicines from Jan Aushdi. Centres were generic drugs are sold also witnessed an increase in sales today.

On the other hand, Director-General, Health, Dr GS Joshi said talks with representatives of the association were held and the government was also apprised of the situation.