Hubli
A protest was conducted in the city on Wednesday by the Association of Medicines and Sales Representatives, urging the fulfillment of various demands, including the reduction of medicine prices. In support of the nationwide strike called by the All India Drug Sales Representatives Association, a protest march took place from Channamma Circle to the Tehsildar’s office. Subsequently, a formal request was submitted to the Tahsildar office staff. The protesters voiced concerns about the imposition of GST on essential medicines by the central government, led by Prime Minister Modi. They argued that this imposition has led to an increase in the prices of medicines. The protestors also expressed their opposition to the privatization of government hospitals under the guise of Public Private Partnership (PPP), alleging that shares of units supplying medicines to government hospitals have been sold to private parties. The key demands of the protest include a reduction in drug prices increased by private companies, provision of minimum wages and social security for drug sales representatives, fixing conditions of service and work duration, and ensuring that the access of drug sales representatives in hospitals is not restricted. The protesters also called for an end to the violation of labor laws. Union State Secretary Praveen Kumar Shivashimpar, Hubli Unit President Ramesh Hire Gowdara, Secretary Manjunath Hosamatha, and Treasurer Kartika Hanchholli were among the participants.
