MIANWALI, Sept 20: Chemists observed a complete strike in the district on Wednesday on the call of All Pakistan Druggists and Chemists Association to express their resentment over the newly-introduced Drug Rules of 2007.

The closure of drug stores throughout the district created problems for patients.

Talking to Dawn, association’s Mianwali president Muhammad Nawaz Khan said that the strike was in line with the decision to close shops for a whole day in all districts of the country every day. He said Mianwali was the first district from where the strike was initiated successfully.

Mr Khan further said that they rejected in unison the Drug Rules of 2007 and urged the government to revive the Drug Rules of 1988.

He said the government should take note of rapid increase in prices of medicines which had already gone out of reach of the poor people.

He demanded at least 50 per cent reduction in the prices and closure of pharmacies inside hospitals. — Correspondent