The Odisha Government has instructed all campus medicine stores operating from public health institutions across the state to vacate. This decision complies with an order from the Orissa High Court.

Proprietors and owners of certain campus stores had previously challenged the order issued by the health and welfare department on February 27, 2015. No extension of license of on-campus medicine stores was to be permitted as per the department’s order and further, no new campus medical store was to be opened.

The Orissa High Court has upheld the decision of the State Government for the non-renewal of licenses of on-campus medicine stores.

This development prompted immediate action from the authorities of MKCG Medical College and Hospital, VIMSAR Birla, and chief district medical and public health officers of 24 districts to issue ‘vacation notices’ to as many as 101 private medicine stores.

A notice period of 15 days has been allotted to the stores for vacating the premises.

Shalini Pandit, secretary of the department added in the letter “You are further directed to take all possible steps in accordance with law to recover possession of the premises immediately after expiry of the 15 days period.”

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Vineesha V/MSM)