Leandro Mercado, the technical director for Medicar GBC, complains that irregular interference from Administrative Minister of the Presidency Jose Ignacio Paliza (former senator for Puerto Plata) and senator Ginette Bournigal have acted to secure that the Health Cabinet place an irregular stop against their opening a pharmacy in Puerto Plata. Mercado says that the pharmacy fulfilled all the Ministry of Public Health requirements and that after installed the ban on their opening came from the higher ups.
Mercado speculates the pharmacy leader in Puerto Plata apparently fears the competition. He said GBC pharmac is known for its discounted prices. During the interview for Somos Pueblo YouTube, Mercado also mentioned that they use tax agency cash registers and comply with eight-hour labor laws, setting up a new benchmark for pharmacy operation in Puerto Plata. He mentioned the Farmacia Popular operates around 20 pharmacies in Puerto Plata and has at present “a monopoly” on pharmacy sales in the northern province.
During the interview with Eduardo Sanchez Tolentino (El Piro) of Somos Pueblo, Mercado tells of the plight of the drugstore chain and appeals to the government to follow the laws and put an end to the irregularities that impede them from opening the pharmacy that is all ready to go. The new pharmacy has a drive-through and is located at 27 de Febrero Avenue No. 12. Puerto Plata residents would benefit from the competition.
Listen to the complaint at:
Somos Pueblo
26 November 2021