Free passage for life saving drugs urged
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 04 2011:
Health Minister L Jayantakumar has called upon all concerned to exempt transportation of medicines and other life saving drugs from the purview of any agitation.
Speaking as the chief guest at the silver jubilee celebration of Manipur Chemists and Druggists Association (MCDA) at Classic Hotel here today, the Minister expressed strong resentment that national highway 2 and 37 are being frequently used by various organisations as the bargaining chip.
Reminding that use of medicines is not confined to any particular community or place but is a necessity for mankind, he reiterated the call for ensuring free and secure passage of vehicles carrying drugs and other essential pharmaceutical goods.
Stressing on the need for enhancing capacity for stocking of medicines and life saving drugs, the Minister assured all possible Government's help in the bulk transportation and maintaining of sufficient stock of medicines to negate the adverse impact of bandh and blockades in Manipur.
Speaking at the occasion MCDA president N Saratkumar expressed elation that celebration of the silver jubilee testify a landmark achievement in the service rendered to the people of Manipur.
Noting that with the advancement in medical science and dedication of the researchers, new drugs are being produced on a regular basis to combat various diseases, he stated that MCDA has been taking the leading role in streamlining transportation and ensuring availability of essential drugs.
Saratkumar also exulted that inclusion of atleast three MCDA functionaries as members of All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists, North East Zone has vindicated service rendered by the Association to the people of Manipur.
He also termed as unfortunate agitating NGOs not even sparing transportation of medicines and life saving drugs from the purview of bandh and strike calls.
Vice president of All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists, North East Zone Dr NL Agarwal, who also addressed the gathering informed that the Organisation, established in 1974, started to work by MCDA from 1986 onwards.
Asserting that the zonal level body will extend all possible assistance to ensure people of Manipur do not face shortage of essential medicines, Dr Agarwal also sought the cooperation of the people for facilitating smooth transportation of medicines and life safe drugs.
Among others State Health Services Director Dr S Ibomcha, Director (Family Welfare) Dr L Joykumar, Legal committee chairman of AIOCD VN Jagusthe, its joint secretary K Sagar Meitei and MCDA general secretary Dr RK Ratankumar also attended the celebration.
Release of anniversary souvenir and screening of a short film on global change in the field of medical science were the other highlight of the silver jubilee celebration.
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