Pharmacists to stage dharna on Sep 20

Lucknow, Sep 18 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh unit of Indian Hospital Pharmacists Association (IHPA) will launch a day's dharna before the state directorate of family welfare here on September 20.

Association office bearers, active members, representatives of Diploma Pharmacists Association, Unemployed Diploma Pharmacists Association and Central Pharmacists Organisation will participate in the agitation.

IHPA's main demand is to appoint two diploma pharmacists in each health subcentres established in the rural areas of Uttar Pradesh.

Association honorary general secretary R A Gupta said here today, there were 20,521 health subcentres in the remote areas of UP.

One basic health worker (women) is posted in each centre, who is trained only for vaccination, normal deliveries and distribution of contraceptives.

''No facility for effective first-aid and management in case of emergencies like snake bite, burns, cardiac arrest, fracture, acute pain or prophylactic treatment in case of infectious diseases is provided there,'' he alleged.

Mr Gupta maintained that diploma pharmacists are well trained to provide these facilties.

''They officiate as in charge in doctor-less dispensaries for which they get remuneration. Their posting in subcenters will ensure qualitative services and provide jobs to 20,000 unemployed diploma pharmacists in UP. This will also be an effective remedy to get rid of quacks practicing in the state,'' he suggested.

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