Panaji: On Wednesday, pharmacies in all government as well as private hospitals will remain open despite the nationwide shutdown to protest against illegal e-pharmacies, the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) stated on Tuesday.
Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the state will also be open, the FDA has confirmed. FDA director Sweta Dessai said chains of Wellness Forever and Antila Generic Medicine stores will be operational throughout the state on the FDA's request to ensure there is no inconvenience caused to the public. A few outlets of Apollo Pharmacy will also remain open, she added.
"In case of any emergency where medication is not available, the public can contact the FDA, and we will make them available," Dessai stated.
Last week, the Chemists and Druggists Association of Goa announced that pharmacies would be shut on May 20 to join the nationwide shutdown protesting against the unregulated functioning of online pharmacies and predatory pricing. The association said that pharmacy counters inside hospitals will stay open and advised people to buy their regular medicines in advance to avoid any inconvenience during the closure.
