Flood of online drug stores in and around has come as cause of concern for traditional drug stores and pharmacists of the State. As many as 18,000 medicine stores across the state on October 14 are going on strike against online sale of medicines.
Jharkhand Chemists and Druggists Association (JCDA) has pledged its complete support to the nationwide strike called by All India Association of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD).
Citing details about the act and provisions which are being violated by the online medicines stores, JCDA general secretary Amar Kumar Sinha said, “We are totally against online sale of medicines as it completely violates the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The act also provides provision for punishing the offenders. The online sale of drugs needs to tackle with an immediate effort.”
“Section 65(10) (A) of the Drug and Cosmetics Act of 1940 clearly mentions that one can purchase medicines after showing the doctor’s prescription from the medicine store or pharmacist while Section 65 (B) of the Act says that prescription should carry the patient’s name and address,” asserted Sinha, adding that such rules cannot be followed in case of online trading of medicine.
In the threshold of one day protest, Jharkhand Chemists and Druggists Association members have already met the Government officials and other administrative staffs few months back to discuss on this particular issue. However, so far no initiatives have been taken by the concerned authorities.
“The association has already put the memorandum before the Government officials three months back to tackle online sale of medicines but despite of everything government is not giving attention to our demands. Government intention is to amend the Drug and Cosmetic Act, 1940. Online sales of medicines can pose a big threat as there is no regulation over how prescriptions can be tampered with and whether the prescriptions are verified or not,” added Kumar.
However, few medical stores mainly those located inside the hospital and nursing homes premises will be remained opened on October 14. “Under the emergency services, medicines will be provided to people inspite of strike as the association has decided not to put patients’ life at stake,” said Kumar.