AHMEDABAD: More than 3,100
chemists across Ahmedabad will observe a partial shutdown on Friday, keeping their outlets closed till 4pm, over their pending demand of
GST refund on medicines that have crossed expiry dates.
The shutdown was announced by Ahmedabad Chemists Association (ACA), which is also protesting the onslaught of e-pharmacies eating into their business. Both these issues have been raised by the Federation of
Gujarat State Chemists and Druggists Association (FGSCDA) too.
“Upon returning expired or damaged medication, traders have to lose out on the GST paid on these goods at the time of purchase. This is denting revenues significantly,” said Alpesh Patel, president, FGSCDA, while addressing reporters on Wednesday.
Patel said, “Out of an estimated total sales of medicines worth Rs 5,000 crore per annum in Gujarat, around 4% is usually expired/ damaged stock.
Traders purchase these goods, having paid the applicable GST however, there is no provision for refund on this.”Estimates by the association indicates that online pharmacies are also eating into their businesses and denting their revenues by 5-10%. Chemists and druggists have also raised serious concerns over the online sales of narcotic medicines and scheduled drugs, alleging that it is in violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of India.
“The Drugs and Cosmetics Act does not permit sales of narcotic medicines without the presence of a registered pharmacist. When sold online despite uploading a prescription, there is no assurance that a registered pharmacist has checked and authenticated the prescription,” alleged Patel.
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