In ‘healthy trend’ citizens buying expensive supplements to dispose off 500, 1k notes

DEHRADUN: The hill capital seems to have suddenly become health conscious. From protein shakes to dietary supplements, the city has registered a 25% rise in the sale of health care products. One may feel that the residents are finally moving towards a healthy lifestyle, however, the chemists attribute the trend to demonetisation.

According to Uttaranchal Aushadhi Vyavsayi Mahasangh (UAVM), nearly 25% rise has been recorded in the purchase of supplements like multi-vitamins, protein shakes and juices in the last two weeks. “Uttarakhand pharma retailers sell medicines and healthcare products worth Rs 100 crore in a month, with around 10% of niche items like vitamin supplements. However, after old currency notes of Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 were banned, the trend has changed. We saw a hike of around 25% in the sale of such items. Customers who seldom purchase health supplements are now buying it frequently. People are probably buying such products in large quantity to avoid long queues at ATMs and banks,” said UAVM president T K Panthri.

The gym trainers and workout specialists in the city say that recently many people have come forward to know about protein shakes and energy drinks. “People also inquire about its pros and cons. Earlier, we did not get such inquiries frequently,” they said.

“Customer did inquire about nutritional items, but of late the queries have soared up, indicating that people want to spend money on such products. It’s not only men but women are also asking about such supplements and their advantages and side-effects,” said Piyush Jain, director of Dehradun’s Gold’s Gym.

A city resident, on condition of anonymity, told TOI, “I have received some invalid currency from a close family friend who had many old notes stashed at home. He offered a part of it to me since he could not have got the entire amount exchanged. I took the money and purchased protein shakes and body-building products from a friends’ shop as I am a fitness enthusiast. I don’t have to worry about purchasing new bottles for a long time now.”

“Even online portals have now set their upper limits of delivering such products. Hence, we immediately went to online stores and got these products from the extra money we have earned after demonetisation. This increase in purchase is not only in Dehradun, but have also been reported from Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow. If investigated, manipulations will certainly surface,” said a college student.