The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has issued a stern warning asking 60,000-odd chemists from the state to not participate in the nationwide strike on Wednesday.
The drug regulatory authority has also said that strict action will be taken if people do not get medicines due to the strike.
Over 8 lakh chemists across the country, including 6000 from Mumbai, have called for a nationwide strike on Wednesday to oppose the central government’s alleged move to regularise the sale of medicines through e-pharmacies on the Internet.
FDA commissioner Harshadeep Kamble said that a separate subcommittee has been formed under the Drugs Consultative Committee to study the area of online sale of medicines. “The Maharashtra State Chemists and Druggists Association as well as All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) have submitted their views to us which is under due scrutiny. The sub-committee is studying all aspects and will submit a report soon,” he said. He said it would be wrong to assume that a stand has been taken against their interest.
“They should withdraw the strike call in larger public interest,” he said.
The FDA said that certain association have agreed to not participate in the strike. Also, pharmacies housed inside hospital will be functioning normally.
The FDA has also set-up a control room where people can get in touch if they face difficulty in procuring medicines. The numbers are 1800-222-365 (toll free), 022-26592362, 26592365.
AIOCD members however said they will go ahead with the strike. “Internet pharmacy has emerged a new platform for the sale of medicines over the last one year. It is completely illegal and we have even apprised higher authorities that such sale of medicines is a violation of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which talks of proper prescription by doctors,” said J S Shinde, president of AIOCD president.
He added chemists will go on an indefinite strike if the government fails to address the issue within a week.