Deepak Sawant warns of action if chemists refuse to accept banned notes

State health minister Dr Deepak Sawant has urged all medical stores to accept notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations, and warned that action would be taken against those that don’t comply with this order.

However, though drugstores are ready to accept these notes, unavailability of change is making poor patients purchase things they do not need.

Dr Sawant said, “I have already urged to all the chemists and pharmaceuticals to accept the old notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000. If they don’t follow this, action would be taken against them.”

“I have informed Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to monitor the situation and be vigilant about it,” he further said.

When asked about medical shop owners not providing change and forcing people to purchase things they don’t need, Dr Sawant said, “I understand there is a problem of change and will tackle it as soon as possible.”

Jagannath Shinde, the president of the Association Maharashtra State Chemists & Druggists Association, said, “We are giving medicines, but are running in loss due to this decision. If patients are forced to buy unnecessary things then they should call this number — 02261452929.”

“Almost all medical stores are facing this problem of change. We are still giving medicines if someone comes with change,” Mr Shinde said.

Rajaram Gawde (53), a consumer, said, “I need tablets for my mother who is suffering from cancer. I came from Latur for treatment. As I was travelling I carried Rs 500 notes, but the chemists are refusing to give me change.”

“I am poor; owing to lack of change I am being forced to buy unnecessary stuff till it totals to a round figure of Rs 500 or Rs 1000,” Mr Gawde added.

Dilip Mehta, president of Association of Pharmaceuticals, said, “What to do if we don’t have change. We are following government orders, but everyone was coming with Rs 500 and Rs 1000 rupee notes. We ran out of change.”

Shehnaz Shaikh (26), whose son is admitted for treatment at KEM hospital, said, “I came to buy medicine worth Rs 400. The chemist did not accept the Rs 500 note and I had to run around to arrange for the exact change.”