Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - HT Navi Mumbai Live
Residents suffer as 475 city chemists shut shop to protest
While 475 chemist shops in the city shut shop on Wednesday and staged a rally to Azad Maidan in Mumbai demanding a ban on online sale of medicines, only 25 day and night pharmacies were functional.
The nationwide strike, called by All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) to protest the central government’s move to regularise sale of medicines through e-portals, was supported by Navi Mumbai Retail Chemist and Wholesalers Association (NMRCWA). The chemists carried banners and raised slogans in favour of their demand. The motorcycle rally started from Chemist Bhavan in Sanpada and ended at Azad Maidan.
“There are so many dangers associated with online sale of medicines as these portals offer Residents walk past a pharmacy in Sector 14, Vashi, that was shut on Wednesday.
medicines without prescriptions,” said Sunil Chhajed, general secretary of NMRCWA.
“Several drugs such as sleeping pills will now easily be available at the online stores. This could lead to increase in addiction. The issue of female foeticide should also be considered as there will be little control on sale,” he added.
“If corrective action is not taken soon, we will intensify the agitation,” added Chhajed.
Residents however were inconvenienced by the strike.
“I wanted some emergency medicines but pharmacies in my area were closed. I had to go all the way to Vashi to get them,” said Nilesh Gupta, a Nerul resident. 1. An artist gives final touches to the idols at the Durga Pandal at the Vashi Cultural Association Pandal in Sector 12, Vashi, on Wednesday
2. Devotees offer prayers at Jai Ambe Trust at Sector 2, New Panvel, on Wednesday.
3. Women groove to dandiya beats at Lohana Samaj in Kopar Khairne.