Chemists across India to go on strike Friday

Around 7.5 lakh chemists across India will observe a one-day strike Friday against government policies and their impact on traders, a statement said Wednesday.

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 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, chemists not to be held responsible for errors of manufacturers and no FDI in pharma trade.

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.," said the statement.

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