Medicine shops will be open 24 hours: Health Minister

Health Minister Zahid Maleque said that drug shops (pharmacies) will be kept open 24 hours because it is an urgent matter for public health.

If the city corporation has anything to say about it, it will definitely be resolved by discussing with them, he said.

The health minister made the comments while responding to questions from journalists at a meeting held on health education at the secretariat on Thursday.

Earlier, Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) decided how long any type of establishment can be kept open for saving electricity and energy.

Dhaka South City Corporation in a public notice a few days ago said general drug shops will close at 12 midnight and the own medicine shop attached to the hospital should be closed at 2 am. The decision taken by the South City Corporation is being criticized.

Public Health Minister facing questions from journalists in today's meeting said, they have not given any instructions regarding the closure of the pharmacy. 

He thinks the pharmacies should be open 24 hours.

The health minister said, “The city corporation did not take a decision after discussing with them. Therefore, necessary measures will be taken after discussion.”

Officials have already been asked to discuss the matter and resolve it, he added.