Chennai spared from medical shops’ strike

However, a few pharmacies in the state will remain open for the benefit of the public. Stating that over 7000 pharmacies under the Tamil Nadu Chemists’ and Druggists’ Association will remain open on Tuesday, Natrajan Thaneermalai, general secretary of the association said, “We will be wearing black badges through the day to indicate our support for the protests but will not be shutting down.” 

The state government has assured that there won’t be any shortage of medicines or supplies. Speaking on the e-portal for medicines at a review meeting on Monday, Health Minister C Vijaya Baskar said, “Most pharmacies in rural areas lack online facilities or access to computer facilities. They must first be taught how to use computers and only then e-portal can be implemented.” 

Earlier, Central Government announced the plan to introduce an online portal wherein, all doctors, manufacturers, sellers and retailers should upload purchase and sale details, pharmacies across the country. This demand received flak from the community of chemists which resulted in the strike.