All 600 chemists down shutters in Patiala against e-pharmacy

Even as the health officials claimed that the chemists’ strike on Wednesday in which all 600-odd shops in the district downed shutters did not have any adverse impact on health-care facilities, the common man was caught unawares as some could not buy their medicine.

Even as the health officials claimed that the chemists’ strike on Wednesday in which all 600-odd shops in the district downed shutters did not have any adverse impact on health-care facilities, the common man was caught unawares as some could not buy their medicine.

Even as the health officials claimed that the chemists’ strike on Wednesday in which all 600-odd shops in the district downed shutters did not have any adverse impact on health-care facilities, the common man was caught unawares as some could not buy their medicine. (HT Photo)

The shops were shut across the country, as chemists ramped up their protest against the Central government move to allow the business of sale of medicines online and through e-pharmacies.

Patiala Wholesale Chemist Association president Ramesh Kumar said, “The strike call was effective and all shopkeepers downed their shutters. Allowing sale of medicines on the online medium is a big threat to the society as it increases the possibility of wrong use.”

Later, members of the association submitted a memorandum to the civil surgeons demanding a ban on the sale of medicines over the internet.