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The Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association (TNCDA) has formally lodged a complaint with the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI), alleging widespread operational violations by Jan Aushadi Kendras across the state.
Representing approximately 40,000 retailers and wholesalers, the association claims that these government-subsidized outlets are straying from their intended purpose by selling unauthorized medicines. TNCDA argues that these actions are not only illegal but are also severely impacting the livelihoods of traditional pharmacy owners.
At the heart of the dispute is the allegation that Jan Aushadi Kendras are making local purchases of patented and generic drugs from outside the authorized supply chain. According to strict government guidelines, these centres are only permitted to sell products exclusively manufactured for the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), which must carry the official logo and specific maximum retail prices. The Tamil Nadu chemists body asserts that by sourcing from local wholesalers, these outlets are operating as unfair competitors to private drug stores.
Adding to the controversy, the association has highlighted a significant breach of licensing regulations, claiming that some individuals are operating between ten and twenty different licenses. This reportedly violates the ‘one person, one license’ rule, suggesting a monopolization of these subsidized outlets. Association state president S.A. Ramesh and general secretary G. Ashok have called for immediate government intervention to streamline sales and ensure the rules are strictly enforced.
The push for transparency began with an RTI application filed by R. Ravi Narayanan, a member of the association from the Theni district. His inquiry sought to clarify the exact boundaries of what Jan Aushadi Kendras are allowed to stock and where they must source their inventory. The findings from this RTI have now become the primary evidence for the TNCDA’s formal grievance, proving that the reported local purchases are a direct violation of the central policy.
In its official response to the RTI, the PMBI confirmed that Jan Aushadi Kendras are strictly prohibited from purchasing medicines from any local patented or generic wholesalers or stockists. The bureau clarified that all inventory must be sourced through its four national warehouses, located in Chennai, Gurugram, Guwahati, and Surat, or through designated authorized distributors. Any deviation from this protocol is considered a violation of the PMBJP guidelines.
The PMBI has also detailed a strict disciplinary framework for those found violating these terms. If a Kendra is caught buying from local stockists or selling products outside the PMBI basket, they will be issued a show cause notice, which can lead to severe administrative action. The bureau emphasized that field officers, including Dr. Aravind Swamy for the Tamil Nadu region, are the sole authorities responsible for inspecting these operations and reporting misconduct.
As the TNCDA awaits a response to its latest appeal, the association has also forwarded the complaint to the state drugs controller in Chennai and the national leadership of the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). The chemists are demanding a thorough audit of all Jan Aushadi locations in the state to safeguard the traditional pharmaceutical sector.
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