CGHS chemists struck work thrice in 2005

New Delhi, Mar 3 (UNI) The government today said authorised local chemists of the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) Delhi had gone on strike thrice in 2005, but measures have been taken to ensure such situations do not recur.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Anbumani Ramadoss informed the Rajya Sabha that the chemists had cited ''late payment'' of their bills by the CGHS Directorate.

He said adequate funds were allocated for clearing the pending bills of the chemists to avoid such a situation in the future.

Adequate quantity of medicines were available in CGHS dispensaries during the strike.

However, the Minister said when the authorised chemists were on strike, drugs prescribed by specialists were not available in the dispensary.

In 2005, the chemists went on strike from February 17 to 28, March 25 to April 4 and November 25 to December 8.

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