Chemists to get lessons on staying ahead

Chemists and druggists in Gujarat are leaving no stones unturned to take on the organised retail. The Federation of Gujarat State Druggists and Chemists (FGSDC) now plans to start training classes for chemists and druggists to equip them fight organised retail in a better way.

"The onslaught of organised retail is quite phenomenal. Our effort is to help smaller druggists and chemists survive," says Jaswant Patel, president of the federation.

At a later stage, the federation has also proposed to change the interiors of all shops and introduce a uniform design.

The association has already roped in professional trainers including city-based Prasanna Foundation to conduct the coaching classes.

"The workshops for chemists will help them keep abreast with the latest trends. The main aim of the coaching classes is to change the mindset of chemists. We will also give them adequate exposure to information technology and help them learn the nuances of customer care," said Amit Vasavada of Prasanna Foundation, which is in the process of preparing a tailor-made course for the chemists.

The federation has around 10,000 members. To begin with, the office bearers will attend the coaching classes, followed by all the members.

"We plan to divide the state into various zones and conduct these classes across the state," said Patel.

A workshop was recently held in Rajkot where around 1,800 members participated.