The Federation of Drug Traders Andhra Pradesh (FEDTAP), the largest body of pharmaceutical traders in the state, is planning to meet the chief minister, Dr Y S Rajeskhar Reddy, to lobby for a check in the activities of retail chains in the state, it is learnt.

The association, which has already met the chief minister two times in the past and briefed the issue, is planning to pursue the matter vigorously in the coming days. It stated that the discount prices offered by the retail chains have been resulting in losing of customers of the retail shops.

The association is also planning to meet leading companies in the future and will demand them not to provide any subsidies to the retail chains, which is ultimately passing to the end customer. The association has also hinted boycotting of the companies, if they continue to offer extra subsidies to the retail chains.

Commenting on this, Krishna Reddy, president, Federation of Drug Traders Andhra Pradesh, said, "We are planning to meet ten leading companies in the country and will ask them not to provide any subsidies to the retail chains, which is ultimately passing to the customers. As the companies are not providing any subsidies to the individual retailers, they are unable to offer discounts and ultimately lead to losing of their customers."

As part of its move to face the challenge and retain the customers, the association is also planning to educate its members on various issues. Service motive business and the medical shops will educate the patients by providing counselling to them on various matters.

Briefing on the association's plans to float a company for the benefit of its members, Krishna Reddy, said, "We have not yet finalized the decision over floating a company. At present we are observing the moves of All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) and other state units, who have decided to float companies".