LAHORE/KARACHI: Medical stores in Punjab are observing shutter-down strike today against the amendments to Drugs Act 1976 due to which patients suffered badly.
Medical stores in the provincial capital including other cities remained closed in protest against the amendments on the appeal of Pakistan Drugs and Pharma Association.
In Karachi, medicine traders at the wholesale market suspended trade activities and supply to the city in show of solidarity with the medical stores owners of Punjab.
Besides the medical store owners, different associations of druggists and homeo and herbal pharma industry are also participating in the strike.
Besides Lahore, medical stores in other cities of the province including Rawalpindi, Sargodha, Faisalabad, Multan, Bhakkar, Rahim Yar Khan, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Borewala, Nankana Sahib remained closed.
The closure of stores at public sector hospitals of Lahore including Sir Ganga Raam has caused great inconvenience to the patients in purchase of medicines.
It is to be mentioned here that the amendments to the act have tightened the rules for medical stores. The law now requires medical stores across Punjab to employ a pharmacist.
Stores selling unregistered medicines will be sealed and charged a hefty penalty, as per an amendment to the Drug Act.
