Note effect: Chemists defer protest

The General Secretary of Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association (TNCDA) K.K. Selvan told  reporters in Salem on Tuesday after consulting the association’s representatives. However, he warned that though they had postponed their protest, there will be a very strong one on a later date if the government allowed sale of drugs online. He said the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) called for a nationwide strike on November 23 to condemn the Union Government’s decision, as nearly 50 lakh chemists and stockists across the country would be badly affected if drugs were sold online. 

Selvan said some of the medicines fell under various schedules that require stringent conditions and license for sale. “Such drugs require proper prescription. Qualification of the store salesman and ensuring that proper storage conditions of medicines at the stores are followed are important,” he said. He adds that it would become dangerous for patients if these parameters were not properly followed. He suspected if online portals would be able to follow such stringent guidelines and regulations. Selvan said that some drugs have adverse reactions and the patient has to be explained how to use it to avoid reactions.