Pharmacists' strike hits patients at government hospitals

KANPUR: Under the banner of Diploma Pharmacist Association, Uttar Pradesh (DPAU), around 200 pharmacists including veterinary, homoeopathic and Ayurvedic pharmacists reached the office of chief medical officer (CMO) to begin their indefinite strike on Tuesday. Distribution of medicine was paralysed in all government hospitals, including Lala Lajpat Rai, Ursula Horsman Memorial Hospital, Kashiram Trauma Centre, primary health centres and community health centres.People around government hospitals were seen purchasing medicines from the private medical stores.
All pharmacists working at government-run district hospitals, sub-district hospitals and primary health centres joined the strike.
A procession was also taken by the pharmacist of DPAU at Ursula Horsman Memorial (UHM) campus and slogans were raised against the state government.
"We have been fighting for the removal of irregularities of sixth pay commission and implementation of seventh pay commission at the earliest. Also, the work given to pharmacists placed in the blood banks and postmortem house and their duty should be based on Pharmacist Act 1948, Drug and Cosmetic Act 1940 and the approved list of the administration," Dilip Sachan, president DPAU, Kanpur chapter, said.