TN govt assures uninterrupted medicine supply amid chemists' strike
Chennai, May 19
Tamil Nadu Health Minister K.G. Arunraj on Tuesday assured the public that essential medical services would remain unaffected despite the nationwide "Bandh" called by pharmacy unions for May 20 against the Union government's policies on online medicine sales.
Addressing the media at the Secretariat in Chennai, the minister said Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has issued clear instructions to ensure that no citizen faces hardship due to the "Bandh".
"Hospital-attached pharmacies will not participate in the Bandh. Private hospital-attached pharmacies are also staying operational. Around 5,000 pharmacies will remain open across the state," Arunraj said.
The government has deployed drug inspectors to coordinate arrangements and has held extensive talks with pharmacy associations.
In case of emergency medical requirements, the public can contact the designated drug inspector coordinators in their districts directly.
The minister noted that of approximately 50,000 pharmacies in Tamil Nadu, only a limited number are expected to close, while the majority will continue to function normally to serve patients.
He emphasised that emergency drug needs will be addressed without any issues.
The sale of drugs through online platforms stems from a decision by the Union government, and Tamil Nadu will monitor developments closely.
Strict action will be taken against any violations in the online distribution of medicines.
Arunraj also touched on concerns about Artificial Intelligence-generated prescriptions, noting that the government has taken note of the issue and is actively working on safeguards to prevent misuse.
The protest by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists, representing over 12 lakh chemists nationwide, highlights worries over unregulated e-pharmacies, deep discounting by corporate platforms, patient safety risks, and the potential rise in antimicrobial resistance due to unchecked sales of antibiotics and habit-forming drugs.
On the broader political front, the minister reiterated Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam's firm stance against the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, describing it as an infringement on state rights.
"Our stand is that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test is not needed. We will continue to urge the Union government to respect federal principles in medical admissions," he affirmed.
The state administration's proactive measures, including coordination with stakeholders and deployment of inspectors, aim to minimise inconvenience.
As the one-day shutdown looms, Tamil Nadu's preparedness stands in contrast to potential disruptions elsewhere, prioritising public health over the ongoing national debate on pharmacy regulations.
Officials remain vigilant to ensure seamless access to life-saving medicines even as the Centre weighs further decisions on e-pharmacy norms.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a regular patient in Chennai, I'm relieved the govt is stepping in. But I wish they'd also address why chemists are protesting in the first place - those deep discount e-pharmacies are going to kill local shops. We can't just let corporate giants destroy small businesses.
Interesting that TN is managing this better than most states. But the AI-generated prescriptions concern is very real - we see random WhatsApp forwards claiming to be 'doctor-approved' remedies. Need strict checks on that.
Finally a state government that prioritizes people's health over corporate interests. The chemists bandh might cause some inconvenience, but at least they're raising valid points about antibiotic misuse. Online pharmacies make it too easy to buy medicines without prescription. 😤
The minister also touched on NEET - good! That exam is unfair to rural students. Tamil Nadu's stance on state rights is correct. But I wonder if the same energy will be applied to ensuring affordable medicines in govt hospitals year-round.
I'm a pharmacist in Coimbatore and this bandh is necessary. E-pharmacies are selling habit-forming drugs like cough syrups and sleeping pills without verification. We have decades of patient consultation experience that these apps can't replace. Government should regulate, not encourage.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.