Thane: The All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists on Monday said over 15 lakh chemists and druggists across the country will keep their medical stores closed on May 20 to protest against illegal online sale of medicines and “unprofessional competition” by corporate companies.Addressing a press conference in Thane, AIOCD president and former MLC Jagannath Shinde said the nationwide bandh has been called to demand withdrawal of notifications issued during the COVID-19 pandemic that allegedly enable abuse of online drug sales.“During the bandh, medical shops attached to hospitals will remain open and emergency medical services will not be disrupted,” he said.Shinde said online sales have increased the prevalence of counterfeit medicines, antibiotics and prescription drugs, posing a serious threat to public health, especially the youth.“Online sale of medicines has become dangerous for the country and needs to be checked on priority basis. Moreover, huge discounts offered by online companies are proving to be the death knell for small medicine sellers and retailers,” he alleged.Shinde pointed out that the Center had issued special exemptions to ensure home delivery of medicines during the coronavirus pandemic, but those provisions continued even though the pandemic ended several years ago.He said that online companies are taking advantage of these discounts and indulging in unfair competition by offering discounts ranging from 20 to 50 percent.Thane Chemists and Druggists Association President Vilas Joshi and other officials were present at the press conference.

Immigration lawyers list things people should consider before getting a green card.

A green card It is the most prestigious status for foreigners in the US but one immigration lawyer warned that before getting a green card, people should remember that it is not something they can throw away later; It comes with its own terms and conditions and one has to fulfill all of them. Immigration attorney Adrian Pandev said many of his international clients treat green cards like a trial run and a long-term visa that will expire. But green card holders have to pay taxes in the US on their worldwide income and face consequences if they fail to do so.

Tax

“The foreign company you own, the rental property at home, the dividends from your investments abroad, all of this is now subject to the US tax system,” Pandev said.

penalty in excess of tax

“On top of this you pick up a long list of foreign reporting obligations such as FBAR, FATCA and Form 5471 for foreign company equities, the penalties for missing filings for which are often larger than any taxes you owe,” the lawyer advises.

have to live in America

“There’s also a timing issue that most people don’t think about. If you spend too much time abroad the U.S. government may take the position that you gave up the green card,” Pandeev said. To retain a green card, one has to stay in America continuously for six months.

Examination at the time of re-entry

Failure to comply with the 6 month requirement will result in additional testing upon your re-entry. “This could mean that you will be dragged through secondary screening when you enter the country or even referred to an immigration judge to protect your permanent resident status,” Pandev said.

exit tax

If someone remains a green card holder for a long time and then decides to leave, an exit tax must be paid to the US on worldwide assets.“If you’re not ready to commit to the U.S. for a long time, a green card may not be the right move,” Pandev said.