ITANAGAR : The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has urged Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister Biyuram Wahge to ensure uninterrupted pharmacy services in the Capital Region, expressing concern over disruptions caused by a dispute between certain pharmacies and sections of the media.

In a representation submitted to the Minister, the union said the ongoing standoff has begun affecting access to medicines, particularly for patients requiring regular medication for chronic illnesses and those in need of emergency treatment.

AAPSU said reports received by the union indicated that hundreds of patients and their families were already facing difficulties in procuring essential and life-saving medicines, warning that the situation could worsen if timely intervention is not made.

While acknowledging the need for strict enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and other applicable laws to ensure lawful and ethical functioning of pharmacies, the union maintained that regulatory action and unresolved allegations should not disrupt access to essential medicines.

It urged the Minister to restore normal functioning of all licensed pharmacies in the Capital Region, order a fair, transparent and time-bound inquiry into the allegations, take action against violators without penalising compliant establishments, and facilitate dialogue among the pharmacies, media representatives and other stakeholders to prevent further escalation.

Responding to the representation, Wahge, who also holds the Water Resources portfolio, issued a directive to the Director of Health Services enclosing a copy of the AAPSU representation.

The Minister instructed the Director to examine the matter on priority and ensure that the availability of essential medicines in the Capital Region remains unaffected.