Insta
8.5 Lakh Strong Chemists’ Body Threatens Boycott Of Cipla Drugs Over Reports Of Tie-Up With E-Pharma Startup Medlife
Swarajya Staff
Aug 29, 2019, 12:40 PM | Updated 12:40 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), an association of some 8.5 lakh or so chemists from across the country, has threatened to carry out a boycott of drugs manufactured by pharmaceuticals giant Cipla if the latter decides to go ahead with its plans to invest in e-pharmacy startup Medlife, reports The Print.
As per reports, Cipla is currently involved in discussions to possibly invest more than Rs 150 crore in Medlife. Traditional chemists with physical stores are peeved as the move could allow Cipla to bypass them.
“If the company could sell directly to the customer through online channels, what would we do? With such moves, companies will become the retailer and our business will be completely wiped out,” general secretary of the AIOCD Rajiv Singhal stated.
AIOCD has as of yet not taken a final call on boycotting or banning Cipla products from its members’ outlets, but has however decided to wait for confirmation from Cipla’s side to confirm reports about its planned tie-up with Medlife.
The body plans to hold a meeting of its state heads in order to take a final call on the issue. The emergence of online pharmacies over the last few years has irked physical outlets and traditional chemists who feel their means of livelihood being being under threat from technological upheaval.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.