PANJIM: A private bank presented its credentials to the members of the Chemists & Druggist Association as the latter prepares for the onset of a cashless economy. The bank, members of the association said, made a detailed presentation of its products that could help the approximately 700 retailers and 200 distributors conduct business in a cashless economy.
However, a member who was present, said the charges were on the higher side and given the margins in the business it would be difficult to be profitable.
Association President Prasad Tamba said the bank intended to charge 0.75 percent per transaction and for any bill over Rs 4000 a flat rate of 1 percent would be levied. In addition a monthly rental of Rs 400 would be charged for the machine. He said several members had queries and the bank will now revert with an offer letter.
With regards the removal of the ban on 340 drugs by the high court in Delhi, Prasad said the court had studied the case and ruled the earlier decision was done in a haphazard fashion. Following this ruling, chemists can sell Action 500 amongst other medicines.
Asked about the battle the organization had initiated to stop the sale of drugs online, a subcommittee under Harshdeep Kamble FDA Commissioner had studied the matter and had submitted a report. The parent body had a meeting with the health secretary along with officials on Nov 15 and discussed in detail the issue of pharma products being sold online. The ministry promised the association that they would look at it seriously.
Asked how long the association was willing to give the ministry to take action, Prasad said, “We will wait for a month and then review the situation.”
