The chemists and pharmacists here today alleged that the authorities were not allowing them to move, which is hampering dispensation of medicines.
The government of India has announced 21-day lockdown tocurb spread of pandemic coronavirus which has claimed 11 lives so far in thecountry. Only exemption from lockdown is the essential services including thesupply and distribution of medicines.
According to estimates there are around 6000 chemist shopsand around 1000 drug wholesalers in Kashmir province, who ensure supply ofmedicines to patients. However, the medicine distributors as well as chemistssaid they were worried as the authorities have not provided them any movementpasses which is “hampering our work”. Toadd to it, the lockdown which has forced closure of surface as well air link toKashmir has made them fearful that their existing stock won’t last more than 15days. “Government has announced lockdown; we wholeheartedly support it as it isfor the benefit of the people, but at the same time there is no direction tothe security personnel to allow us free movement in order to perform our job,”said President, Kashmir Chemist and Druggist Association, Fayaz Azad.
“Authorities must understand there is supply chain whichensures supply of medicines to patients. If our suppliers or their workers arenot allowed to move, how can medicines reach patient,” Azad said adding that”government of J&K must devise a mechanism to ensure supply of medicines toKashmir as our road and air traffic has been halted.” Azad urged chemists anddruggists in Kashmir to “rationalize” dispensation of medicines. “There aresome instances where people demand medicines in bulk quantity, chemists shoulddesist as it would lead to artificial scarcity.” Bashir Ahmad, a pharmacistwhile commenting on the problems confronted by them said, “Government mustissue movement passes to people working in the supply chain of medicines sothat there is no shortage of drugs.”