DIMAPUR, MARCH 29: The Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) has decided to lift the indefinite closure of medicine shops in the State from March 30 following a meeting with Health authorities at Dimapur on Wednesday.
In a press release, the Association informed that it had a meeting with WH Patton, Additional Drugs Controller and Licensing Authority, and his team as well as Dr. Antoly, Deputy CMO of Dimapur “in which the recent arrest of a member of the NMDA under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, and the NMDA’s demands were discussed.”
“During the meeting, the official assured the NMDA that their members will not be harassed without reason by any law enforcement agencies in the future. They also assured the NMDA that their demands will be looked into”, it stated.
According to the Association, it has lifted the bandh on the verbal assurance given by the Deputy CMO and the Drug Controlling Officer. It gave the authorities till April 2 to address their demands.
“However, if the talks fail or assurance fails, then the NMDA will approach AlOCD, NE Zone office, to intervene and take due course action northeast wide”, it added.
Meanwhile, the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) North East Zone issued a statement requesting Nagaland Government “to stop the harassment of our Chemist members of Nagaland by settling the present issue with NMDA”.
It warned that if the “harassment of Chemist members” continues, the Organisation will be compelled to stop selling all narcotic and psychotropic drugs throughout the Northeast region.
(Page News Service)
