See stir doesn’t disrupt medicine supply: Chemist outfit to Modi

NEW DELHI: All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists, representing over 8.5 lakh wholesalers, distributors and retailers of medicines across the country, has raised concerns over the ongoing farmers’ agitation creating disruptions in supply of essential medicines as most production facilities are located in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh with their main depots in Ambala or Zirakpur.

In a letter to PM Narendra Modi, the association has sought the government’s intervention to ensure there is no shortage in supply of medicines due to the protests.

“We fear if the situation continues, there would be shortages of essential medicines. We request, therefore, kindly use your good offices to maintain supply of medicines by providing secure passage of medicine transporters,” the AIOCD said.

Major drug manufacturing units, including those of big pharmaceutical companies as well as many contract manufacturers for multinational companies, are based in Sonepat, Baddi, Solan and various other districts of these two states.

These units supply medicines not only for local consumption but also cater to major exports. Himachal alone supplies 35% of pharma formulations in Asia through its 700 manufacturing units.

However, with farmers protesting over the new farm laws, various highways have been blocked, leading to disruptions.