MCDA appeals for exemption of drug transportation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 26 2011:
Inspite of the agitating Sadar Hills districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) recently announcing that transportation of drugs and oxygen in ambulances would be exempted from the purview of the ongoing bandh/strike, Manipur Chemists and Druggists Association (MCDA) said bringing in pharmaceutical goods in ambulances will be impracticable when compared to its quantum of demand in the State.
speaking to newspersons on August 25 at the BT Road office, MCDA general secretary RK Ratankumar said ever since the SHDDA went on strike from August 1 followed by the agitation call of united Naga Council, stock of life saving drugs in the State has depleted to the extent that some life saving drugs have been completely exhausted.
Pointing out that on an average 2-3 truck load of drugs used to be brought into the State daily when there is no disruption caused to transport operators, he reiterated that transporting drugs and oxygen in ambulances, as suggested by the SHDDA, would not be able to meet the requirement of the entire population.
Moreover, ambulances are meant for transportation of the sick and are not authorised to carry drugs or oxygen in addition to the need for adhering to certain formalities between the transport agencies and the drug manufacturing companies with the former responsible for ensuring safe and secure transportation of pharmaceutical items, he maintained.
Dr Ratankumar further urged both the SHDDA and UNC to allow bulk transportation of drugs and oxygen in trucks carrying logo(s) of chemists and suggested that volunteers of the agitating bodies authenticate the drug-loaded trucks by checking the contents or its documents.
Even though reports have been received that trucks carrying pharmaceutical items are on the way, at present Manipur has run out of many drugs such as antibiotics, anti-diarrheal, anti-cold/cough syrup, antihypertension, anti-emetic, Vitamin syrup/calcium, anti-ulcer, antiviral, anti-helminth, anti-snake venom, painkiller, haemocoagulase, etc.