Sun, 17 May 2026
Gujarat News Updated May 17, 2026 · 15:11

Gujarat Health Minister Orders Action Against Pharmacist for Denying Medicines

Gujarat health minister Praful Pansheriya ordered strict action against a junior pharmacist accused of denying medicines to patients despite sufficient stock. An inquiry confirmed adequate stock was available, leading to the transfer of pharmacist Prashant Shrimali from Visnagar to Kutch. The health department reiterated its commitment to timely healthcare services. Separately, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the self-enumeration process for Census 2027, which is being conducted entirely in digital mode.

Junior pharmacist at Visnagar transferred to Kutch for denying medicines despite adequate stock; departmental inquiry ordered

Gandhinagar, May 17

Taking a serious view of negligence affecting patient welfare, Minister of State for Health and Medical Education Praful Pansheriya has ordered strict action against a junior pharmacist accused of not providing medicines to patients despite sufficient stock being available, as per a press release by the Chief Minister's office.

Following the minister's directions, an inquiry was conducted, which revealed that an adequate stock of medicines was available at Gandhinagar. Despite this, patients allegedly did not receive the required medicines.

In connection with the matter, junior pharmacist Prashant Shrimali, posted in Visnagar, has been transferred to Kutch, and instructions have been issued to initiate a departmental inquiry against him, said the release.

The Health Department reiterated its commitment to ensuring timely and quality healthcare services for patients across the state.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel formally launched the self-enumeration process for Census 2027 by completing his own self-enumeration through the online platform, said an official statement released on Sunday.

The Chief Minister formally initiated the self-enumeration process by submitting his family's details online on the Census platform.

He also appealed to the citizens of the state to actively participate in this nationally significant exercise and contribute towards building a strong, inclusive, and developed India.

Citizens will be able to participate in this process by filling in their required details online during the designated 15-day period ending on May 31, it added.

It is noteworthy that Census 2027 is being conducted entirely in digital mode this time through a portal and mobile-based platform.

This self-enumeration initiative provides citizens with a simple, secure, and convenient digital platform through which they can submit their information online from anywhere.

Citizens can complete their self-enumeration by following the required guidelines and, through active participation, provide their details online in a timely and accurate manner.

For the first time, the self-enumeration method is being introduced in Census 2027. In Gujarat, citizens will be able to participate in self-enumeration by submitting their details on the web portal between May 17 and May 31.

— ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Transfer to Kutch? That's a bit harsh but justified if true. But I have a feeling there's more to this story – maybe the pharmacist had reasons. Let's see what the inquiry reveals. We need transparency in our healthcare system.
R
Rohit P
Good job minister sahab! 👏 But this is just one case. How many other pharmacists are doing the same thing across Gujarat? Need regular audits and surprise checks. Also, the digital census launch is exciting – finally moving with the times! 🚀
K
Kavya N
As someone who has faced medicine shortages in govt hospitals, I appreciate this action. But I also worry about the pharmacist – sometimes stock is there but paperwork issues cause delays. Hope the inquiry considers all angles. Patients deserve better, but so do honest staff.
J
James A
Good to see India's health system taking action. But I'm curious – is transferring to Kutch a punishment or a routine move? From an outsider's perspective, this seems like a strong response. The digital census is a great idea too – tech is making everything easier! 🌟
S
Sneha F
I'm glad the minister is serious about this. But why stop at one pharmacist? The entire supply chain should be reviewed. Also, the census going digital is a game-changer – no more paper forms and delays! Let's all participate and make Census 2027 a success! 🇮🇳
V

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