Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 07 2009:
Following the prolonged economic blockades imposed by ATSUM since July 15, joined by SDSA later on NH 39 which was followed by chakka bandh called by transporters, drug stocks of wholesale dealers have been severely depleted.
According to a press release issued by the Manipur Chemists and Druggists Association (MCDA), 95 percent of the drugs brought in Manipur are through surface transport while courier, air cargo and speed post account for only 5 percent.
Highlighting the alarming situation, the MCDA has appealed to both ATSUM and SDSA to relax their economic blockades for trucks transporting drugs.
It also appealed to the transporters not to impose any restriction on trucks transporting drugs while implementing chakka bandh.
On the other hand, the indefinite curfew being imposed by the Government before the end of the 48 hours general strike called by the Apunba Lup has caused immense hardship to general patients as well as emergency patients because of non-availability of drugs as pharmacies could not be opened.
The MCDA further appealed to the authority concerned to understand the hardships being endured by patients and chemists and exempt them from the purview of curfew.