Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) on Tuesday announced that all medical dealers under the association have decided to close their shops in protest against the “unlawful arrest” of its member on March 27, 2023 under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985.
NMDA joint secretary (in-charge media cell) Arijit Sharma stated that the association at its general meeting held on March 28, 2023 resolved that the shops of medical dealers would remain closed till its demands were met.
The association has demanded that strict action be taken against the persons who initiated action against its member in violation of procedure prescribed by law. Strongly condemning the arrest of its member, NMDA pointed out that the manufacture, sale or distribution of drugs and/or cosmetics in Nagaland was regulated by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
It also pointed out that the state health and family welfare department through a notification dated February 3, 2023, superseding Circular dated September 17, 2012, issued clear terms and conditions in relation to the purchase and sale of all restricted pharmaceutical products by wholesalers and retailers within Nagaland.
According to NMDA, the said notification clearly states that “all actions for violation of the same are to be taken under the provisions of the Act of 1940 along with the Rules made there under.”
Further, the association stated that as per the notification all raids and seizures were to be done only by, or in the presence of the drug control authority and not otherwise.
NMDA has, therefore, urged the law enforcement authorities to follow the procedure under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Meanwhile, NMDA has appealed to the All India Organization of Chemist and Druggist and its Northeast Office to intervene in the matter. It also urged the Indian Medical Association, DCCI, Chamber of Commerce Chümoukedima, Naga Council Dimapur, Nagaland Pharmacist Council and all members of the medical fraternity to speak out against the “unlawful detention” of its member.
