Chemists Associations of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali Decide to Oppose Heavy Taxes on Medicines

Chemists associations of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali have decided to oppose heavy taxes levied on medicines.

According to the Tribuneindia, these associations have printed stickers that will be pasted outside 900 retail chemist shops in three cities. Through these stickers, the chemist associations are requesting customers not to ask for discounts.

“Earlier, we used to offer five per cent to 10 per cent discounts on medicines. But with the imposition of the GST, we are not in a position to offer any discount. During a meeting held recently, we passed a resolution wherein it was decided to end offering discounts,” said association president Vijay Anand.

“The chemists have already paid five per cent to 12.5 per cent VAT on the purchase of previous stock. Further, we have to levy GST on it. There is lots of apprehension among traders that they will not be paid the input credit. So nearly 900 chemists of the city have decided not to offer any discount on medicines,” said Vinay Jain Vinay Jain, General Secretary of the Chemist Association.

The Chandigarh Chemists Association (CCA) is a registered body formed in 1975, under the guidance of Late Shri Prem Sagar Jain (Founder President), Late Shri Vishwa Bandhu Singhal and Late Shri L.D.Grover. The CCA is affiliated to the All India Organization of chemists and Druggists (Regd) (AIOCD) with membership of around 8 Lakh Chemists across India.

AIOCD is one of the biggest body in Asia and Chandigarh Chemists Association (CCA) represents more than its 550 Members.

The basic purpose of this body is to streamline the distribution pattern of Pharma Distribution, so that an unbroken chain of life-saving and essential drugs is maintained throughout every corner of the state.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/chandigarh/tricity-chemists-to-oppose-heavy-taxes-on-medicines/434791.html