Guwahati: Assam Registered Pharmacists Union Submits Memorandum to PM on Age Limit for Haj

STAFF REPORTER

Guwahati: The Assam Registered Pharmacists Union (ARPU) has become the first organization to strongly raise its voice against the deprivation of pharmacists' rightful entitlements across the country. The organization recently sent letters to several relevant departments under the central government, protesting a decision by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that has left thousands of government-employed pharmacists ineligible for Hajj deputation.

According to report, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a directive setting the upper age limit for pharmacists applying for the 2025 Hajj medical team at 45 years. ARPU has expressed astonishment at this decision, as it contradicts the existing deputation policy of the central government, which sets the maximum age limit at 56 or 58 years. As a result, many pharmacists in Assam and across the country will be unfairly deprived of the opportunity to apply for Hajj deputation.

Opposing this directive, ARPU has taken a firm stand and urged the central government to reconsider the decision immediately. The organization's state advisor, president, and general secretary have individually sent memorandums to the Prime Minister, the Union Health Minister, and the Minister for Minority Affairs, highlighting the injustice faced by pharmacists due to this decision.

Notably, in previous years, the upper age limit for Hajj deputation applicants was set at 55 years. However, following protests from healthcare workers, the limit was removed. Despite this, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has now suddenly reduced the age limit to 45 years, raising suspicions among pharmacists.

ARPU has demanded that the central government review the decision, and all eyes are now on the concerned departments to see what steps they take in response to the memorandum.

Meanwhile, the state's pharmacists and other healthcare workers have expressed their gratitude to ARPU's chief advisor, Kamal Hassan, and the union's leadership for strongly advocating for the rightful entitlements of pharmacists at the right time and on the right platform.

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