960413

Druggists in hospitals

Pharmacists, chemists

threaten strike if

permission not

withdrawn

LAHORE: The convener of Pakistan chemists and Pharmacists Federation, Dr. Ishaq Mayo, has said that if the government did not withdraw permission for setting up private medical stores in government hospitals, all the owners of medical stores in the country would go on strike.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday he alleged that the government had permitted a company 'Pharmacs' to establish private medical stores in government hospitals by charging crores of rupees as impress money and compelled them to purchase medicines only from 'Pharmacs'.

He said the said permission order would not only compel the chemists and pharmacist to close down their business, but there would be a crisis in the market and pharmaceutical industry.

He alleged that stolen medicines were being sold in these established medical stores while owners of the said stores were charging rates of medicines according to their choice.

He said that if the government wanted to provide medicines on less rates, it should open medical stores in utility stores or in the market.

"If the government provides medicines to the medical stores on subsidy rates, the medical stores owners could provide medicines to the patients on cheaper rates as compared to these medical stores" he said.

The President of Chemists and Druggists Association, General Hospital, Ganga Ram hospital, Services Hospital and Mayo Hospital were also present on the occasion.-PPI