The Chemists and Druggists Association of Goa joined the nationwide shutdown of all pharmacies and addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the North Goa collector. The letter highlights the illegal and unregulated online sale of medicines, sale and home delivery of medicines without valid and verified prescriptions, and predatory discounting practices by online medicine platforms. These practices are adversely affecting licensed chemists.
Nationwide Token Strike a Success
The association on Wednesday said that the nationwide one-day token strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD) was a success. The strike was in protest against the continued illegal and uncontrolled online sale of medicines and related serious issues affecting public health and the survival of lakhs of small chemists.
All chemists and druggists of the North and South districts kept their establishments closed and extended unanimous support to the movement.
Concerns Raised in Memorandum to PM Modi
In their memorandum to Modi, the chemists and druggists expressed serious concern that medicines are not ordinary commodities. They argued that uncontrolled online sale without proper verification poses a grave threat to public health, patient safety, and the regulatory framework established under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.
Appeal for Corrective Measures
The chemist fraternity appealed to the central government to take immediate corrective measures in the larger interest of patient safety, public health, and protection of lakhs of small licensed chemists and their employees.
Peaceful Strike Receives Overwhelming Support
The strike across the state remained peaceful and received overwhelming support from chemists and druggists, said the association's president Amit Kamat.
