Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Oct 10: "Chemists and druggists throughout the country have decided to keep their shops shut on October 14. This is being done to oppose the centre's decision to regularize e-pharmacies that sell medicines through the internet," said Ganesh Kamath, secretary of South Canara Druggists and Chemists Organisation.

Addressing a press meet here on Saturday October 10, Kamath said, "Karnataka Organization of Chemists and Druggists which is registered under All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) that consists of more than eight lac members across the country has called for this shut down. There are many retail and small medical shops and they are depending on this industry to earn their livelihood. They will all be on streets if medicines are permitted to sell online.

"The companies are doing this illegally, violating the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Younger generation can get easy access to some drugs which can be addictive. This will create easy access of such drugs. Anyone can make false prescription and get medicines. The quality of the medicines cannot be guaranteed as they are sold online. The move will also effect the earnings of 8 lac chemists and their 80 lac staffers throughout the country. For all these reasons, they are upset by the legal sanction to this illegal business," he said.

"As there can be emergiencies, pharmacies attached to hospitals and nusing homes will be exempted from the strike so as not to cause inconvenience to the public," he added.

Shridhar Kamath, president, South Canara Druggists and Chemists Organization and others were present.