Team Herald
PANJIM: Hundreds of medical stores and pharmaceutical distributors across the State were closed down in protest against the online sale of medicines.
The nationwide strike call given by the pharma traders against the Centre’s proposal for ‘sale of medicine over Internet’ left some patients in lurch, however the chemists attached with the hospitals were partially open. The government-run pharmacies also remained open, witnessing rush of people for medicines.
In Goa, the Chemist and Druggists Association Goa (CDAG), comprising of medical stores and pharmaceutical distributors with a total membership of over 750 members, extended its support to the 24-hour long bandh. About 200 wholesalers also participated in the strike.
CDAG president Prasad Tamba said the strike evoked good response while also slamming the government for turning a blind eye to illegal online sale of medicines.
He reiterated that medicines, which compulsorily need to be sold on doctors’ prescription, are sold on websites without confirming the authenticity of prescription and patient. “This is unethical,” he lamented.
Tamba highlighted issues of concern such as illegal sale of medicines, increase risk of adverse drug reaction, threat of irrational use of medicines, lack of infrastructure and manpower amongst other related factors.
