Ropar Chemists’ Association Backs Punjab Chemists Association’s Decision to Halt Sale of Pregabalin, Other Habit-Forming Medicines
Calls for fair action by Punjab Government, Police and Drug Control Department; says honest chemists should not be collectively blamed
Babushahi Network
ROPAR, October 25 The Ropar Druggists and Chemists Association (Regd.) has extended its support to the decision of the Punjab Chemists Association (PCA) to suspend the sale of Pregabalin and other habit-forming medicines with immediate effect, until further directions from the PCA.
Expressing serious concern over the prevailing atmosphere surrounding the chemists’ community following a recent unfortunate incident in Mansa and the developments thereafter across Punjab, the Ropar association said it was unfair to associate the entire chemists’ fraternity with the sale of intoxicating drugs because of the alleged activities of a few individuals.
According to the association, the situation has affected the morale, professional confidence and social standing of thousands of chemists who conduct their businesses in accordance with the law.
Taking the prevailing circumstances seriously, the Punjab Chemists Association, after consultations with chemists’ associations in various districts, has decided to keep the sale of Pregabalin and all other habit-forming medicines suspended with immediate effect until further instructions. The Ropar Druggists and Chemists Association has endorsed the decision and appealed to all chemists in its area to ensure compliance.
The association has also called for necessary action regarding existing stocks to be taken in accordance with applicable laws and authorised return procedures.
Illegal Activities Must Be Dealt With Strictly, Says Association
The Ropar association clarified that anyone found involved in the illegal sale of medicines or any other unlawful activity should face strict action under the law. However, it said, holding the entire chemists’ fraternity responsible for the alleged wrongdoing of a few individuals would be unjustified.
Law-abiding chemists, it said, are an important part of the healthcare system. They help ensure that patients have access to essential and genuine medicines while carrying out their professional responsibilities in accordance with prescribed regulations.
Chemists’ Community Has Always Contributed to Social Service
Highlighting the contribution of chemists during emergencies, the association said members of the fraternity continued to serve patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, when normal life was disrupted and people faced difficulties in accessing essential services.
Many chemists, it added, provided free medicines to needy patients and extended financial assistance to those requiring support.
The association also recalled the contribution made by chemists during floods in Punjab, when members helped deliver essential medicines to affected areas and supported relief efforts. Members of the fraternity also extended financial assistance to help flood-affected families under the Chief Minister’s Rangla Punjab initiative.
These contributions, the association said, demonstrated that local chemists are not merely traders dealing in medicines but important service providers who help meet society’s healthcare needs. They have stood by the public during difficult times and fulfilled their responsibilities towards the community.
Seeks Fair and Transparent Action by Government, Drug Control Department
The Ropar Druggists and Chemists Association appealed to the Punjab Government and the Drug Control Department to enforce regulations relating to medicines fairly, transparently and responsibly.
While calling for strict action against those who violate the law, the association urged the authorities to avoid unnecessarily harassing honest chemists or damaging the reputation of the entire fraternity because of the alleged actions of a few individuals.
The association maintained that an effective fight against drug abuse requires coordinated efforts by the government, administration, healthcare providers and society. The chemists’ community, it said, remains committed to responsible medicine distribution and the protection of public health.
Reiterating its commitment to combating drug abuse, safeguarding public health and ensuring lawful distribution of medicines, the Ropar Druggists and Chemists Association (Regd.) said protecting the dignity, reputation and rights of honest chemists who serve society was equally important.