All the patients across the State would have to rely upon few drug stores functional at Government hospitals on Wednesday. The situation which may turn serious for those in emergency as no breakthrough could be achieved between agitating druggists and the Government.
“No fruitful dialogue with the Government could take place and we are continuing with the one day strike planned for October 14. Over 18,000 drug dealers from across the State would down their shutters against recent surge seen in online drug trade recently. We are demanding for a policy decision from the Center in the tune of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 to regulate e-commerce platforms concerning medicines,” said Amar Kumar Sinha, general secretary of Jharkhand Chemists and Druggists Association (JCDA).
It is being feared that the one-day shut down may pose serious threat to the patients in case of urgency as major chunk of drugs into the market are being made available by the private medical stores. However, the administration sounded confidence to deal with the situation.
“All the medical stores in the Government hospitals have sufficient stock of medicines and all those coming to such hospitals for treatments would be made available the drugs required. There is no shortage with us,” said Gopal Shrivastava, Civil Surgeon of Ranchi.
Despite the confidence insiders in the Health and Family Welfare Department feel that the strike would cost patients dearly. “There are very few Government hospitals and heath centers where medical stores are available. However, as the strike is for one day only we have not mulled to impose the Essential Services Maintenance (ESMA),” said a top official. Attempts to reach the Minister and the Secretary failed.
On the other hand the Association is of the view that the protest is sure to hit medical services badly in the State. “Of course it will. But we are forced into this situation. The online traders are flouting the guidelines defined under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 by supplying medicines without proper prescription and maintenance. Even sedatives are being supplied, whereas we are bound by host of regulations. It is eating up our business and has become question of survival for 8 lakh drug dealers of the country,” added Sinha.