A group of chemists and pharmaceutical distributors in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh are in the process of establishing new state associations in these states deserting the existing national and state bodies.

A major section of chemists and distributors in Maharashtra has already formed the new state organisation, the Maharashtra Pharmaceutical Chemists and Distributors Association (MPCDA), in December end , while a segment of pharma distributors in Madhya Pradesh are planning to launch the new organisation in February 2008, according to sources.

MPCDA, formed towards the end of December 2007, will commence activities initially in eight districts - Mumbai, Pune, Aurangabad, Jalna, Beed, Nanded, Nasik and Thane, according to the sources. The Association has formed an adhoc committee with 15 members from various districts and laid out plans for strengthening the association, in a meeting at Pune last month, informed Narendra Jain, convener of MPCDA.

"The pharma chemists and distributors in the state are treated badly by the existing traders' associations. The leaders in these associations are keeping a monopolistic approach and the ordinary members are being harassed in various occasions. That is why we have decided to fight for our causes under a new banner," he said. The new Association has its objective to stand with the distributors on issues related to manufacturing companies and will aid the members in grievances related to trade activities.

Meanwhile, a group of pharma traders in Madhya Pradesh is also planning to come up with a new association, to safeguard the interest of chemists and wholesalers in the state. However, the sources refused to reveal more about the new association, as it is yet to be officially announced.