Panchkula distributors, chemists threaten stir over NCB raids

Distributors and chemists in Panchkula have accused the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) of seizing their "legitimate medicines" during raids over the last two days and have warned of an indefinite strike if the bureau does not cease these actions.

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Health Department sources said five raids had been carried out over the past two days in Panchkula and drugs had been seized from a chemist who did not have a valid licence.

The team of NCB officials is accompanied by representatives from the office of the State Drugs Controller and the raids were likely to continue over the next few days.

Meanwhile, chemists have started returning their stocks to suppliers, leading to a temporary shortage of a few medicines. "We will be forced to shut shop in the absence of supplies. These are essentially cosmetic drugs which are being labelled as psychotropic drugs by the NCB," said chemists at a late evening meeting in Panchkula.

"We will be forced to resort to a strike, which will begin in Panchkula, but spread across the state if the raids are not stopped with immediate effect," said Manjeet Sharma, president of the State Chemists' Association, adding that a meeting with various district heads would be held over the next two days.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the District Panchkula Pharmaceutical Distributors Association and the District Chemist Association was held on Wednesday to chalk out the course of action.

"The NCB has raided the establishments of three distributors and seized legitimate medicines, even though they hold valid licences to sell them. This has caused resentment among distributors and chemists, forcing us to consider an indefinite strike. We are seeking protection from such actions," said Nitin Chopra, joint secretary of the District Chemist Association.

He said every distributor sold medicines under a valid drug licence to numerous pharmacies. However, there was a lack of a proper mechanism within the department to regularly update the types of licences held by pharmacies. “The distributors have decided not to sell certain medicines until a proper verification system is established to avoid further issues or coercive actions from agencies. Consequently, all distributors are returning the medicines to the companies,” he added.