Asthma sufferers left gasping

NAGPUR, June 22: The State-wide boycott of all Cipla pharmaceuticals products by the Maharashtra State Chemists and Druggists Association MSCDA, from June 15, has severely affected a large number of patients, especially those suffering from asthma, in the State.

Retailers all over the State have been issued a fatwa that in the event of a violation of the boycott they will be fined between Rs 1,000 and Rs 5,000 and will have to put down their shutters for two days. They have also been warned that there will be no supply of medicines if they ignore the Association8217;s directives.

According to chemists, Cipla products have been boycotted because they went ahead with their decision to appoint a non-pharmic stockist. Every pharmaceutical company has to obtain permission from the MSCDA before appointing stockists anywhere in the State. Cipla 8212; which has a monthly sale of nearly Rs 25 lakh and about five stockists in Nagpur 8212; had sought permission for appointing an additional stockist in the city.