IT News
Imphal, March 6:
The Centre of Medical & Sales Representative Union (CRU) has strongly condemned the ban on medical representatives from entering the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) campus, calling it a suppression of their rights. CRU Secretary Thokchom Langamba Meitei stated that the restriction directly impacts the livelihoods of over 1,000 medical representatives in Manipur.
In response, the CRU, along with the Medical and Sales Representative Association of Manipur (MSRAM), organized a meeting at GM Hall under the theme “Medical Representatives’ Grievances and Its Impact.” The gathering aimed to address the challenges faced by medical representatives due to the recent restrictions. Key speakers included CRU’s former president Ningombam Dilipkumar, AIOCD Joint Secretary Kangjam Sagar Meitei, MCDA Secretary Thokchom Dijamani, MCDA President R.K. Rakesh, CITU Secretary Kshetrimayum Shanta, and CRU’s former secretary Oinam Premananda.
During the discussion, Thokchom Langamba Meitei emphasized that under the 1976 Sales Promotion Employee Act, passed by the Indian Parliament, medical representatives have the legal right to promote medicines and brands in hospitals, pharmacies, and to doctors.
Despite the suspension of the order, the ban on medical representatives at RIMS OPD campus remains in effect, with penalties imposed on violators. The CRU has strongly opposed this restriction, calling it an unfair attack on medical representatives who rely on access to hospitals for their profession.
In light of this, the CRU has issued an ultimatum to the RIMS hospital authority demanding an immediate revocation of the ban. If the authorities fail to respond positively, CRU, MSRAM, Manipur Chemist & Druggist Association, All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists, and Centre of India Trade Union (CITU) have announced plans to stage a democratic protest.
