The Maharashtra State Druggists and Chemists Association (MSCDA) is contemplating to launch an indefinite strike if the government fails to intervene in the issue of Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s offensive against medical shops without full time pharmacists.

MSCDA, which has already called for a one-day token strike on July 29, this week, is meeting the authorities of the health department today to represent their grievances. The association opines the state FDA should have given them at least three to six month time period before initiating such a drastic step.

Speaking to Pharmabiz, Jagganath Shinde, president, MSCDA, said, “We agree that the presence of full-time pharmacist at the medical stores is necessary. But, before closing down the medical shops, FDA should have given us some time. Why did FDA give license to those chemist shops without pharmacists? It was FDA’s responsibility to issue license to only those shops that have full-time pharmacist and inspect the stores regularly. They have failed to do that and now suddenly they are ordering to close down the medical stores. We are planning an indefinite strike against this.”

He suggested instead of closing down the drug stores all of a sudden for want of pharmacists, the drug authorities could have directed the chemists to ensure sale of Schedule H drugs only by a registered pharmacist, until the outlet owners are able to appoint adequate number of pharmacists.

Commenting on the issue, a top level Maharashtra FDA official noted the provision on the presence of full-time pharmacist in medical stores has been in the law since 1940. “We have given enough time to implement the rules as per the law. What were they doing till now, that they are asking for more time? Increasing illegal activities like selling drugs without prescription etc. forced us to take this step. Since regular inspections are practically impossible all over the state, they take undue advantage of irregular inspections,” said the official.

He further commented that the main reason for the absence of pharmacist at the medical store is the nominal payment given to the pharmacist by the owners. There will be no shortage of trained professionals if they are paid well.

MSCDA president said about ninety per cent of the medical shops are run by pharmacists who are also owners of the outlet. In the case of employed pharmacists, they are paid in the range of Rs 5000 to Rs 6000 per month. However, many young pharmacists are reluctant to work beyond eight hours a day without overtime charges. This has caused shortage of pharmacists in some outlets, he added.