Ranchi, Mar 23: Jharkhand chemists and druggists association today decided to stop purchasing drugs from April 1 next in protest against state government decision to impose Value Added Tax (Vat). The druggists have also extended their support to the bandh of medicine shops on March 25 called by All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggist demanding a roll back of the tax.

Association president Srikrishna Pradhan told reporters that while six lakh chemists across the country would be seriously affected by imposition of vat, small traders will be forced to close down shops.
Pradhan demanded that a single point tax system should be imposed on medicines instead of multiple point tax as per Vat and a total tax holiday on life saving drugs. Bureau Report