March 6, 2025 : Medical representatives (MR) in Manipur are vehemently opposing a recent decision barring their entry into the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) campus, which they argue threatens their livelihoods and rights. Over 1,000 representatives have expressed concern over the prohibition, highlighting their dependence on hospital access for work.
A gathering at GM Hall, titled “Medical Representatives’ Grievances and Its Impact,” saw leaders from the Centre of Medical & Sales Representative Union (CRU), Medical and Sales Representative Association of Manipur (MSRAM), and other key groups convene to address the issue.
Notable speakers, including CRU’s former president Ningombam Dilipkumar and AIOCD Joint Secretary Kangjam Sagar Meitei, underscored the challenges faced under the 1976 Sales Promotion Employee Act. Thokchom Langamba Meitei, CRU Secretary, emphasized the legal right of representatives to promote medicines and brands within hospital settings, as protected by Indian Parliament legislation. Despite a partial suspension of the ban, restrictions remain at the RIMS OPD campus, with penalties for non-compliance.
CRU has strongly criticised the move, labeling it unjust and asserting that it unfairly restricts professionals reliant on hospital interactions. In response, CRU issued an ultimatum to RIMS authorities, demanding an immediate reversal of the ban. Failure to meet their demands has spurred plans for a peaceful protest by CRU, MSRAM, Manipur Chemist & Druggist Association, All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists, and Centre of India Trade Union (CITU), aimed at highlighting what they perceive as discriminatory measures against medical representatives.
