Panaji/Margao : Pharmacies in the state were shut for business on Wednesday, due to a one-day, nation-wide strike call protesting against online sale of medicines.
In Goa, the strike was 100 per cent successful, said the Chemists & Druggists Association of Goa (CDAG), which said that, all chemists in the north and south districts kept their establishments closed and extended support to the strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD).
Almost all local pharmacies in Panaji, including large chemist shops like Farmacia Salcete,
the Hindu Pharmacy, Jeevan Rekha Medical Stores, were shut. However 24×7, chain pharmacy stores like Wellness Forever and Apollo remained open in some places.
Later in the evening chemists shops were seen open for customers. During the strike CDAG submitted a memorandum through the Collector, North Goa, addressed to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The memorandum drew attention of the government to three issues—illegal and unregulated online sale of medicines, home delivery of medicines without valid and verified prescription, predatory deep discounting by online medicine platforms.
The memorandum also demanded immediate withdrawal of section GSR 817 (E) and GSR 220 (E) which are being used by online pharmacies for uncontrolled delivery of medicines.
CDAG, secretary Prasad Tamba, said that, online pharmacies have made huge adverse impact on the business of small and licensed chemists.
Meanwhile, in Margao several people were left anxious and worried over the lack of access to medicines.
Many residents who were unaware of the strike were surprised to find pharmacy shutters closed, with notices informing customers about the protest.
