BMSRM Holds 6th National Conference in Ernakulam

Ernakulam, Kerala, May 12, 2025 – The Bharathiya Medical & Sales Representative’s Mahasangh (BMSRM), affiliated with India’s largest trade union, Bharathiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), convened its 6th National Conference on May 10-11, 2025, at the BMS State Office in Ernakulam. The event underscored BMSRM’s ongoing commitment to championing the rights and welfare of medical and sales representatives across India since its inception in 1990.

The conference, which began at 4:00 PM, was inaugurated by BMS National Organizing Secretary Sri B. Surendra Ji. In his opening remarks, Kerala State President Sri S. Vinaya Kumar Ji welcomed attendees, setting the tone for a series of impactful discussions. National President Sri P.N. Pradeep Ji delivered the presidential address, emphasizing BMSRM’s non-political stance and its role as a guiding force for representatives, contrasting it with politically driven unions that “float like a boat without a rudder in the deep sea.”

A key highlight was a speech by Senior Counsel of the Kerala High Court, Sri K.S. Bharathan, who elaborated on laws governing medical and sales representatives. BMS National Executive Member Sri Unnikrishanan Unnithan spoke on nationalism and the importance of nationalist organizations, reinforcing BMSRM’s ethos. The conference also featured felicitations from BMS National Secretary Sri V. Radhakrishanan Ji, BMS Kerala State Secretary Sri Sivaji Sudarsan Ji, and Dr. Govindraj Shenoy.

BMSRM National General Secretary Sri J.P. Kaushik presented the General Secretary’s Report, which was unanimously adopted. The event concluded with BMSRM Prabhari Sri K.K. Vijayakumar Ji announcing the newly elected office bearers and delivering the closing address, rallying representatives to unite under BMSRM’s banner.

Indian Pharma Industry: Policy Shifts and Challenges

The conference also addressed recent developments in the Indian pharmaceutical sector, which directly impact medical representatives (MRs):

1. Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024
   Introduced in March 2024 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, the revised UCPMP aims to enhance transparency and ethical standards. It mandates disclosures on promotional activities, annual compliance certifications by executives, and establishes grievance redressal mechanisms to ensure accountability.
2. Global Market Dynamics
   Indian pharmaceutical companies, which supply nearly half of the U.S.’s generic prescriptions, face challenges from proposed U.S. tariffs of 25% or more on imports. Industry leaders warn of potential cost increases and market disruptions. Meanwhile, Indian firms are expanding into emerging markets like Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, capitalizing on cost-effective production to meet global demand for affordable healthcare.
3. OPPI Code of Practice
   The Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) has aligned its Code of Practice with UCPMP, emphasizing ethical marketing through regular training, compliance programs, and audits to address deviations.

Challenges Facing Medical Representatives

Despite these advancements, MRs continue to face significant hurdles:

• Job Security: The repeal of the Sales Promotion Employees (Conditions of Service) Act, 1976, has raised concerns about deteriorating job security and working conditions.
• Digital Transformation: The industry’s shift toward digital marketing has reduced reliance on MRs, threatening their roles and employment prospects.
• Workload and Surveillance: Increased workloads, performance-based salaries, and digital tracking systems have intensified pressure on representatives.

BMSRM’s 6th National Conference reaffirmed its resolve to address these challenges through advocacy and unity, positioning itself as a steadfast supporter of India’s medical and sales representatives.