Pedestrian passes through a pharmacy in Kohima which pulled down shutter in response to one day bandh on Friday. (Morung Photo)
Kohima/Dimapur, May 10 (MExN): The Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) today observed the nationwide bandh in support of the All India Organizations of Chemists and Druggist’s (AIOCD) demands submitted to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
In the state capital Kohima, pharmacies pulled down shutters in response to the 12 hour bandh. The pharmacies remain closed from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. However, NMDA had suggested to the chemist fraternity of different districts to identify one chemist shop in two main localities of the town to meet the emergency services of patients.
When The Morung Express contacted NMDA President A. Ato Yepthomi, he informed that the bandh was held successfully throughout Nagaland state. He also stated that there has been a “positive response” from the Government of India. He also shared that he had received a phone call from the secretary of the AIOCD who stated that the Health Ministry, GoI had wanted to meet and discuss with the demands submitted.
It may be noted that the demands submitted by the AIOCD appeals for consideration of the rising operational costs to maintain the trade margins of medicines and to not reduce it in the forth coming Drugs (Price Control) Order 2013. The organization also demands the amendment of Rule 65(15) C of the Drugs and Cosmetics rule to permit the partner/proprietor as a qualified person to dispense the medicines.
It further demands for relief under section 19 of the aforementioned act to dealers “who may have acted with bona fide intentions, if he submits valid documents of transactions.” The demand adds that the administration in such a case should not prosecute him till guilt can be proved. It also demands that FDI should not be permitted in distributions and retailing of medicines.
A memorandum containing the demands had been forwarded to all concerned authorities
including the Prime Minister, state Chief Ministers, the Finance Minister, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Minister of Petroleum and Chemicals, the Drugs Controller General of India, state Drugs Controllers and Chiefs of all political parties.
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