The Tamil Nadu Pharma Traders’ Association (TNPTA) has raised concerns over the promotional strategies of MedPlus, a prominent chain pharmacy group, urging the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) to intervene. TNPTA President T Natarajan penned a letter to the AIOCD’s general secretary, calling for action against Akums Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, a major manufacturing player supplying drugs to MedPlus at discounted rates.
Natarajan emphasized that the AIOCD’s influence, representing over 12 lakh chemist shops nationally, could prompt Akums Drugs to cease production for discount pharmacies like MedPlus. He expressed worries that customers might be misled by MedPlus advertisements promoting their own generic products with significant discounts, complicating the market dynamics already strained by other low-cost options like Generic Aadhar and Jan Aushadhi Stores.
The TNPTA pointed out that numerous corporate-level manufacturers have ties with Akums Drugs for drug formulations, potentially pressuring Akums to reconsider its partnerships with discount pharmacies. This move, the association believes, could help mitigate the confusion faced by conventional medical shops in distinguishing between generic MedPlus brands and other higher-priced branded products made by Akums.
Responding to the issue, Rajiv Singhal acknowledged the longstanding concerns and disclosed that the Tamil Nadu branch of AIOCD (TNCDA) has been actively addressing them. Singhal mentioned that legal consultation will be sought on the matter, underscoring its legal implications and the need for comprehensive deliberation.
He further disclosed that AIOCD office bearers plan to discuss the issue with the Union Health Minister in an upcoming meeting, aiming to bring this critical issue to the government’s attention.