The Karnataka Druggists and Chemists Association (KDCA) has decided to observe a two-day state-wide bandh on December 10 and 11 to protest against the compulsory targeting of chemists and druggists by the State drug Control department. The bandh call will be observed in 26 districts barring Bangalore in the state.

However, the drugs shops in the government-run hospitals will remain open on both the days, DS Guddodgi, president, Karnataka Druggists and Chemists Association said. Over 15,000 retail and wholesale outlets in the state that were affiliated to the Karnataka Druggists and Chemists Association would remain closed. "We are sparing the shops in the government hospitals on humanitarian grounds," stated Guddodgi.

Alleging that the drugs control department has been targeting against them in the name of strict implementation of Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, Guddodgi claimed that the very Act has become outdated and cannot be implemented.

The members of the Karnataka Druggists and Chemists Association are also upset about chemists being referred to as cheats and on the accusations against the chemists for the violations made by the manufacturers regarding the drug prices. Further, the chemists are also demanding the government put an end to quackery and to specify the qualifications of the medical practitioners, as on several occasions chemists have been accused for supply of the drugs prescribed by the doctors who are quacks with no medical degree. "There was no way for the chemists to know if he was a qualified doctor as they only supplied drugs based on their prescriptions which had details of their name, clinic reference and degree and it was not their concern to find out if he was a qualified doctor or not, informed Guddodgi.

During November 2003 alone, the drugs control department officials have booked over 100 cases in Bangalore and over 200 in other districts of the state. "The drugs control department is terrorising the chemists in the name of law", said Guddodgi.

According to V Hari Krishnan, Bangalore Chemists & Druggists association members will not participate in the bandh. The harassment by the drugs control can be taken care of and the issue of an outdated Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 is the responsibility of the State drugs control department, he informed.