Srinagar, May 6 (ANI): Traders in Kashmir observed a daylong shutdown on Monday as a mark of protest against the supply of spurious drugs in government run hospitals, while demanding action against the culprits.
General Secretary of the Kashmir traders and manufacturers federation, Bashir Ahmed endorsed the demand for a shutdown in the city.
"This scandal has led to the death of many innocent children, hence I don't feel any reluctance in raising my voice against this scam and our federation is endorsing the decision of this shutdown," said Ahmed.
The city wore a deserted look as markets remained closed and public transport remained off the roads.
The case of spurious drugs in state-run hospitals emerged last month, when in a report prepared by the central drug standard control organization, under the federal health ministry said that that spurious drugs and sub standard medicines, approved by the purchase committee of state are being supplied to various government hospitals.
Since then doctors in Kashmir have been demanding strict action and protests were organised in the province against the same.
India, whose large drugs industry produces cheap generic versions, is concerned that Western governments backed by major Pharmaceutical companies are using the fight against fakes as a cover to restrict trade in unpatented medicines much needed by the world's poor.
In developing countries, the WHO estimates that more than 10 percent of medicine may be fake or substandard.
India is particularly resistant to any role for pharmaceutical firms in setting the agenda.
The lack of a treaty means there is no agreement on which medicines are illegal and criminals can do business in countries where laws or enforcement are lax. There is also no requirement for police and prosecutors to cooperate across borders. (ANI)
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