The day-long strike by pharmacies in Vasco in support of the protest by chemists across the country had limited impact, with many people prepared in advance and the government hospital at Chicalim stocking up on essential medicines.
the goan I network
VASCO
Private pharmacies as well as those attached to private hospitals took part in the day-long strike, but had advised their patients to buy their medicines in advance.
“Anticipating the strike by all pharmacies, we had requested our in-patients to buy a day’s supply of medicines to avoid any problems,” said the doctor at a private hospital.
In some cases, pharmacists helped people procure their medicines in emergency cases.
“Though we supported the nationwide strike, we helped some people in dire need of medicines on humanitarian grounds,” admitted a pharmacist on condition of anonymity.
When contacted, CCH Duty Officer Dr Sujata Kamat said the strike on Tuesday had not affected them as the government had supplied sufficient medicines at the hospital.
“In some cases, medicines were replaced as soon as there was insufficient stock with us. We dispatched a letter to our head office on the requirements and the medicines were immediately dispatched to us,” said Dr Kamat.
