The crisis in the All Kerala Chemists & Druggists Association (AKCDA) following the imposition of a penalty of Rs.5 crore on the organisation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI) last month has led to the creation of a new trade body by a splinter group in the association.

The leaders of the disassociated group, mainly the leading businessmen in the pharma trade, were previously the captains of the parent association, AKCDA.

The new trade body, christened as Alliance of Pharmaceutical Traders – Kerala (APT-Kerala), came into being on January 15 this year. The registered office of the organisation is in Kannur and the administrative office is in Thrissur.

The former general secretary of AKCDA and AIOCD executive committee member, Antony Tharian, former treasurer K Sivasankaran and several other traders are the leaders of the new organisation. Announcing the launching of the organisation, the office-bearers said the Alliance of Pharma Traders is the new and true face of pharmaceutical trade in Kerala and will act in line with the activities of the All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD).

They have alleged that the present office-bearers of AKCDA are not protecting the interest and image of the pharma trade, but destroying it beyond repair. In a letter sent to the pharmaceutical manufacturing companies, depots, C&F agents, consignee agents, super stockists etc. by APT, they said the election conducted in the trade body is under challenge before the court, and those said to be elected have not been legally ratified as per the order. The present set up and functioning of AKCDA is also in disarray.

While speaking to Pharmabiz, Tharian and Sivasankaran said the objective of APT is to be proactive to changes happening in the pharma field. The organisation has charted out programs and plans for creating conducive atmosphere to safeguard the rightful interests of the traders without harming manufacturers and consumers. They claim that APT has the backing of all stockists and retailers in Kerala.

The businessman from Kunnamkulam, Milton J Thalakkottur has been elected president of the new trade body. K Sivasankaran from Thrissur will act as the general secretary. Sulaiman Rawther from Pathanamthitta will safeguard the treasury.

The first general body of the organisation will be held in Kochi in March, said the office-bearers.