All India Association of Chemists and Druggist (AIOCD) is planning to call for a pan-India bandh in September if the Government fails to act on Schedule HX controversy. AIOCD believes that instead of making things easier the implementation of Schedule HX will only create more trouble for people at large and particularly for those who resides in the interior and micro interior areas.

Objecting to the Governments decision to amend the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules 1945 and insert Schedule HX on misuse of antibiotics, AIOCD has already sent many representation to the government which is yet to get a response. Taking a step further, AIOCD has warned that they will object the government's decision vehemently by going on a nationwide bandh involving over 5 lakh retailers, wholesalers and chemists.

A source closely associated with the AIOCD informed that at present they are busy with sensitising the whole issue to the stake holders and different government officials on the impact on the pharmacy community if Schedule HX is implemented.

“We do not want to leave any page unturned and are trying our best to inform everyone about the seriousness of this whole issue. At present, AIOCD is in the process of communicating with different members of parliament (MP) on this and they are also convinced that the implementation of Schedule HX will have repercussions as it will affect the survival of 7.5 lakh chemists in the country,” he added.

AIOCD is very upset over the lack of response from the government in spite of the frequent appeals made and representations sent to them in the past. It is reported that the association will soon take matters in its hand if the government refrains from replying to the demands made by the association.

As per the controversial Schedule HX norms 16 antibiotics drugs will be sold directly by drug manufacturers to the tertiary care hospitals and about 74 drugs and formulations that can be sold by the chemist on the prescription of Registered Medical Practitioners in duplicate and one copy of the prescription will be kept with him for further 2 years.