Around 120 chemist shops in Bardez taluka remained shut on Tuesday protesting against online sale of medical drugs and government’s stringent regulations on sale of medicines inconveniencing the common man particularly those residing in the villages.
the goan I network
MAPUSA
“We have 100-120 chemist shops on Bardez that downed their shutters in response to our strike,” said Prasad Tamba, president of Chemists and Druggists Association, Goa.
However, pharmacies in private hospitals thrived as they reported a surge in customers.
“We witnessed a big rush throughout the day,” said Sonia, the counter sales personnel at Vision Chemist and Druggist, at the Vision Multispecialty Hospital in Mapusa.
The pharmacy at Dr Kolwalkar’s Galaxy Hospital, Mapusa, also reported higher footfalls on account of closure of private chemist shops.
In North Goa District Hospital, the government’s largest hospital in Mapusa it was business as usual.
“Everything was normal in our hospital. Our pharmacies were well stocked and our patients did not have any problems,” said Medical Superintendent Dr Geeta Kakodkar.
At many places, people made a beeline to owners whose pharmacies were attached to their residences.
“Some people were knocking at my door, but we do not entertain people,” said Peter D’Sa, owner of Pharmacia Popular in Mapusa whose pharmacy is in his residential premises.
