All medical stores in the district were closed on today in response to a three-day shutters down call given by the Maharashtra State Chemists' and Druggists' Association (MSCDA) from December 16 to December 18.
It may be noted here that the Food and Drug Administration had warned pharmacists that they would be liable for penal action under the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 2005, if they kept their establishments closed.
Food Inspector M V Gotmare informed that all 798 medicine retailers and 175 wholesalers in the district, kept their establishments closed on Monday.
"We were on the verge of initiating action against these striking pharmacists, but we received information from our higher-ups in Mumbai that the strike has been called off by the MSCDA. Therefore we restrained ourselves from taking any action," Gotmare said.
When it was pointed out that medical stores remained closed despite the strike being called off, Gotmare stated that there appears to be some confusion and their office is verifying facts.
He also said that no action has been initiated against any striking establishments, since they are awaiting guidelines from their higher-ups.
