Chemists on strike today against FDI, new drug policy

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SME TImes News Bureau | 10 May, 2013
Around 7.5 lakh chemists across India will keep their shutters down on Friday against the entry of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in pharma trade and many other government policies.

A statement by the Retailers and Distributors Chemist Association (RDCA) said that "7.5 Lakh chemists in the country will hold demonstrations and agitations in all parts of the country".

Contending that the new drug policy will reduce their profits and cause inconvenience, Sandeep Nangia, president of RDCA, Delhi, said they had four demands which, if met by the government, would end the standoff.

The demands include no FDI in pharma trade, no reduction in trade margins as proposed in the new drug policy, not making it mandatory for a chemist to have a qualified pharmacist at the shop while selling medicines and chemists not to be held responsible for errors of manufacturers.

The RDCA is affiliated to the All India Organisation of Chemist and Druggists (AIOCD), the apex body of the chemists fraternity.

"We have decided to observe a token countrywide 'bandh' on May 10 to protest the unjustified government policies and their impact on traders. Over 9,000 chemists from all over Delhi will be protesting at Jantar Mantar at 10.30 a.m.," the statement said on Wednesday.

"We urge the general public to make necessary arrangements beforehand to avoid any inconvenience," it added.