AIOCD seeks to ensure supply of essential medicines to Mizoram, asks PM Modi to step in

New Delhi: Expressing concern over medicine shortages in Mizoram owing to economic blockages, the All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), a chemist body has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking intervention to ensure the supply of essential medicines to Mizoram.

This issue emerged in response to a series of clashes on the Assam-Mizoram border, resulting in distracted movement on the highways, which has hampered the supply of vital goods, including medications, in Mizoram.

The All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) is an apex body of State Associations of medicine dealers of India representing about 9.40 lacs of chemists and druggists spread throughout the country.

In this respect, the Secretary to the Government of Mizoram has stated,

"National Highway-306 and other roads connecting Mizoram with other parts of the country from Assam have been blocked by Assam from 26.07.2021 and the blockade has persisted till date. It may be stated that National Highway-306 is the main highway for the flow of essential commodities and supplies into the State of Mizoram. The blockade is affecting the livelihoods of the people of Mizoram adversely. Movement of vehicles along other routes connecting Mizoram and Assam has also been blocked inside Assam state. "

In addition to this, the Secretary to the Government of Mizoram has also stated, "It is also reported that unknown miscreants from Assam have destroyed/removed railway tracks/lines at Mohammedpur Railway Station and Ramnathpur Railway Station in Hailakandi District, Assam. With this destruction, the only railway line connecting Bairabi Railway Station, Mizoram, has been blocked. This has the effect of blocking the only alternative route for entry of goods and supplies into the state. "

In light of the current chaos, AIOCD President J S Shinde and General Secretary Rajiv Singhal have emphasized the major issue of medicine shortages in Mizoram, and said, "All pharmaceutical companies prefer Gauhati, Assam as the primary stock and supply destination for all East and North East states, including Mizoram. Any natural or man-made blockage disrupts the supply and availability of medicine in the N.E. States. "

In view of the above, the AIOCD has written to PM Modi requesting intervention to ensure the supply of essential medicines to Mizoram.