Strike: Jamshedpur Medical stores incur loss of Rs 20-crore

Jamshedpur : In support of the call given by All India Organisaton of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) against government�s move to regularize online pharmacies, over 1300 pharmacy stores in Jamshedpur and nearly 2500 stores across Kolhan (including West Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan) downed shutters from 4 am till 12 in the night.

�We closed down shutters in solidarity with the call given by All India Organisaton of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) against government�s move to regularize online pharmacies which would not only pose threat to our business but would also lead to risk of drug abuse,� said president of Jamshedpur Chemists and Druggists Association president Kamal Agarwal.

The chemists� retailers official admitted that closure of the shop had led to loss of Rs 20-crore.

The chemist retailers also claimed that diktat of the Jharkhand Pharmacy Council against renewal of license of drug stores who have been running the trade for last several decades had also forced them to take part in the strike.

The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) stated that e- pharmacy poses a threat to their business which can lead to the risk of drug abuse. The body alleges that online portals offer discounts up to 70 percent against a 10 percent discount available at a wholesaler.