Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) has resolved to call for a 12 hour “token closer” of its trade in and around Dimapur on October 5 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
NMDA president Ato Yepthoml and general secretary Ashok Kr. Singhal in a press note stated that the closure was being done so “for public awareness” as medicine dealers have been facing untold misery and grievances in the recent past.
NMDA said the dealers, who were once the most respected fraternity, was now being looked upon as drug peddlers and owners of illicit trade in the state, as expressed by the vested interests.
NMDA claimed that some people in the name of NPGs or different organization, without any proper identity, demand fines/taxes on pretext of sale of various restricted drugs like Codiene, Diazepam or other sedative drugs.
It pointed the standing order, since January 31, 1990, that no pharmacy/medical store can be inspected without presence and information to Drug inspecting Authority.
NDMA said they were cautious and aware that any negligence on their part could even lead to life imprisonment. “We do this trade with full risk of our own family life with a meagre trade margin,” it added.
Above all, NDMA said the dealers were under tremendous pressure for not receiving life saving medicines since last two weeks from transporters, while doctors and consumers have complained that it was a failure on part of medicine trading community.