Pharmacists in Champawat have launched a phased protest to press the government on 5 demands linked to their service conditions and responsibilities. Members of the Diploma Pharmacists Association are wearing black bands as part of the programme, which will continue through September 15.

The protest was also observed at the district hospital on Monday. District association president Vishnu Giri Goswami said the programme was being conducted under instructions from the provincial executive committee.

5 demands behind the protest

The association is seeking the following measures:

  • First ACP benefits after 10 years of service.
  • Restoration of 391 s at sub-centres.
  • Implementation of the Pharmacy Practice Regulation 2015.
  • Authority to provide medicines along the lines of Odisha and Assam.
  • Payment of dues related to Char Dham pilgrduty.

The black-band programme began on September 1, according to Goswami. Pharmacists plan to continue displaying their opposition until September 15 as part of the association’s phased agitation.

Goswami, along with Tan Singh and Manoj Punetha, registered the protest at the district hospital. The available information does not state whether the demands have been accepted or identify any government decision on the association’s next phase.

What the association is seeking

The demands cover both employment benefits and the operational role of pharmacists. The requested ACP benefit concerns career progression after 10 years, while the call to restore 391 sub-centre positions relates to staffing.

The association is also asking for the Pharmacy Practice Regulation 2015 to be implemented. In addition, it wants medicine-dispensing powers comparable to those available in Odisha and Assam.

A separate demand concerns payment for duties performed during the Char Dham pilgr. The association has included these unpaid dues in the 5-point agenda being raised through the current protest.

Conclusion

Champawat’s diploma pharmacists are continuing their black-band protest through September 15 while seeking action on 5 demands, including service benefits, staffing, regulatory implementation, medicine-dispensing authority and Char Dham duty payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is conducting the protest?

The Diploma Pharmacists Association is conducting the protest in Champawat.

Q. What form is the protest taking?

Pharmacists are wearing black bands on their arms as part of a phased agitation.

Q. How long will the black-band protest continue?

The programme is scheduled to continue until September 15.

Q. How many sub-centre s do pharmacists want restored?

The association is demanding the restoration of 391 sub-centre s.

Q. Where was the protest observed on Monday?

The protest was observed at the district hospital in Champawat.