The non-supportive attitude of the members of the Bengal Chemists & Druggists Association (BCDA) may thwart the progress of the private public partnership (PPP) model generic drug distribution system being implemented in the state by the West Bengal government through Fair Price Medicine Shops, alleged Joydeep Sarkar, general secretary of All India Chemists & Distributors Federation (AICDF).

Talking to Pharmabiz about the pharmaceutical distribution system in Bengal, Sarkar said on the lines of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala, the West Bengal government, with a view to benefit the ailing community, has recently started a generic drug distribution system which is implemented through separate pharmacies attached to medical colleges and district hospitals. The pharmacies are known as Fair Price Medicine Shops (FPMS).

The government launched the scheme in January this year and so far 32 fair price pharmacies have been started in various parts of the state. In Kolkata alone, six medical colleges have now the generic drug shops.  All the shops have been introduced through PPP model.  Joydeep alleged that these shops are run by members of the Bengal chemists and druggists association, but certain members of the same organisation held a strike against the shops on the very day of its opening by shutting down their own pharmacies. BCDA demands that the price discounts should be stopped.

Quoting government’s reports, the all India general secretary of AICDF said the Bannerjee government has a plan to start 50 such medical shops in various medical colleges and district hospitals within one year. All the 32 fair price pharmacies are giving 50 to 68 per cent price discounts on all branded generic products. He said FPMSs are operating following the central government’s scheme of generic drug distribution.

“As per the agreement, the government is providing space and electricity to the shops. But the licencees/contractors should purchase the drugs from the manufacturers directly. It is mandatory that 142 specific molecules in the essential list have to be kept in the fair price shop always. There is no specific instruction for any brands”, he said.

According to him the government has started the pharmacies with a very good intention for  helping the public. But shop contractors are now agitating against the government demanding cancellation of price discounts. He said there was news in the local media that the state government would soon file suit with the Competition Commission of India against the BCDA members who are thwarting the government’s scheme which is a replica of the central scheme.