Viagra launch could face stiff protest in MP

The much-awaited launch of Viagra from Pfizer will face stiff protest in Madhya Pradesh, particularly from small-scale sector units that manufacture sildenafil citrate""the main ingredient in pills that are a rival to Viagra.

The Madhya Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party Industry cell has taken up the cause of sildenafil citrate manufacturers by opposing its import from France and its sale at a high price of Rs 463 per 50 mg pill. The original blue version will be available from December 26 in major cities across the country.

"We strongly protest against the central government's move to allow the import of the pill," said RS Goswami, president of the BJP industry cell. He is also the president of the Madhya Pradesh Small-Scale Industries Association.

"Madhya Pradesh has at least 8-10 sildenafil citrate manufacturers formulating and supplying the product to various big firms in this sector at a cheap rate of 20-40 paise per 50 gm. The Indian version is available at Rs 5 per 50 mg pill. Why then has the government allowed Pfizer to import Viagra from France at much higher rates of Rs 463 per 50 mg," asked Goswami.

"MP is the first state to oppose the import of the pill, since it will affect the prices of other products, particularly life-saving drugs, which will be out of the reach of common people. In the name of supplying original pills, the MNC will clock profits of 2,000 per cent on each tablet. There are about 14 variants of Viagra available in the market today."

Goswami said at least 8,000 small-scale drug manufacturers had been closed since the Centre had imposed a duty on maximum retail prices and later imposing the provisions of 'Schedule M' on small units in the pharma sector.