Medical Stores to come under Hospital Protection Act: Minister assures

Last Updated on July 2, 2023 by The Health Master

Medical Stores to come under Hospital Protection Act

K Radhakrishnan, the Minister for Devaswom and Parliamentary Affairs in Kerala, has pledged to recommend to the government that pharmaceutical traders i.e. medical stores / pharmacies be brought under the recently enacted Hospital Protection Act.

During the annual general body meeting of the pharma traders in Thrissur, the minister expressed concern over violence and hooliganism at healthcare centers, assuring further discussions on the matter.

The Medical Store / pharmacy community’s request for legal protection as healthcare professionals will be presented to the government for consideration, he informed the business community.

Addressing Traders’ Concerns:

The All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association (AKCDA) presented a memorandum to Minister Radhakrishnan, outlining their concerns and passing resolutions.

AN Mohan, the state president of AKCDA, emphasized the escalating attacks on medical stores / pharmacy and assault on owners, endangering their lives and properties.

He cited instances of acid attacks on medical store / pharmacy owners in Kerala, as well as recent incidents in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

AKCDA stressed the necessity of legal protection to effectively operate their shops amidst growing threats from corporate sectors, online pharmacy chains, and criminals.

Inclusion in Kerala Antimicrobial Resistant Strategy Action Plan (KARSAP):

Another resolution passed by the traders focuses on the integration of AKCDA members into the state government’s Kerala Antimicrobial Resistant Strategy Action Plan (KARSAP).

AKCDA collaborated with the drug control department to promote the AMR program and implemented a joint initiative called PROUD.

This program aimed to remove expired drugs from households and markets to prevent indiscriminate disposal.

However, the government has now engaged an environmental organization to collect waste drugs from medical store / pharmacy, as part of the AMR program under the health department’s control.

Addressing Challenges Faced by Medical Stores:

The treasurer of AKCDA, V Anvar, highlighted the difficulty faced by Medical Stores / pharmacy in deciphering doctors’ prescriptions, suggesting that the government should encourage prescribers to write medication names in a legible manner, in accordance with MCI guidelines.

LR Jayaraj, the general secretary of the association, proposed the introduction of a pension scheme for chemist and druggist retirees who have completed 30 years in the field due to health conditions.

Community Support and Conclusion:

Suresh K Warrior, president of the Thrissur district committee of AKCDA, expressed the association’s commitment to financially support the charitable activities of the district administration.

AB Rajesh, the district secretary of the association, extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries present at the event.

For informative videos by The Health Master, click on the below YouTube icon:

• USFDA approval granted for Midostaurin Capsules
  May 17, 2024
• Timely Reporting of Medical Device Adverse Events Crucial
  May 17, 2024
• NPPA fixed retail price of 37 formulations: May 2024
  May 17, 2024
• New Dengue Vaccine Gains WHO Prequalification
  May 16, 2024
• NABH Cracks Down on Fake Documents in Hospital Accreditation Process
  May 16, 2024
• USFDA inspection: With zero observation at Indoco Remedies
  May 16, 2024

For informative videos on Medical Store / Pharmacy, click on the below YouTube icon:

For informative videos on the news regarding Pharma / Medical Devices / Cosmetics / Homoeopathy etc., click on the below YouTube icon:

For informative videos on consumer awareness, click on the below YouTube icon: