LAUNCH OF TOLL FREE NUMBER, WEBSITE AND OFFICE IN MUMBAI , 15th January 2014

Mumbai Consumers now have a better option to resolve their complaints on spurious medicines

Mumbai : Consumer Conexion a not-for-profit portal managed by leading consumer organisations and partners with Partnership for Safe Medicines India Initiative, today started their Mumbai operations by launching a  website [www.consumerconexion.org] and a toll free helpline [1800-11-4424] .

At the event, Mr. Bejon Misra, Founder of Partnership for Safe Medicines India Initiative and Founder of the Consumer Online Foundation, pointed out that whether it is spurious or falsified medicines, faulty products causing injury, utility service providers ignoring complaints, or irresponsible lending by banks, better consumer protection is always part of the solution. In India Consumer Protection Policies are less prevalent in comparison to  advanced countries – having percentage ratio of between 80-90% deficient, which adds up to the cost of the products and services paid by the consumers either out-of-pocket or through the tax payers kitty.
Mr. Misra also stressed on the various challenges faced by the Indian Consumer today in the areas of Access to Quality Healthcare, Right to FREE Education, Access to quality food at the most affordable price, right to shelter or affordable housing and 24X7 service of utilities like electricity, municipal services, public transport, and banking.
"Call PSM India toll free helpline 1800 - 11- 4424, for any cases related to fake medicines or other consumer grievances,” added Mr. Misra.

Talking to reporters here today on this occasion, The CHIEF GUEST of the event , Shri Mahesh Zagade, Food & Drug Commissioner, Government of Maharashtra said that, if India has to be a part of the developed world; they have  to support and encourage a strong consumer movement in India. Good consumer protection is not just about legislation, it can deliver justice, create a fairer society and
even save lives. I am happy to associate with this foundation and would encourage many more to come forward and be the change for the country.
Mr. Zagade also said that, looking at the vastness of the situation, one must not depend
solely on the government for funding but try to come up with self-sustaining models. It’s the issue of consumerism and we must start questioning the real necessity of a product before purchasing the same. He urged all consumers  to bring cases of spurious medicines or any kind of adverse drug reaction to the notice of the authorities.

Dignataries present at the event were Daniel R Pranjal – Chief, Strategy India, Mumbai,
Walter Vieira ,President, CERS, Mumbai, Mahesh Zagade – FDA Commissioner, Govt. of
Maharashtra ,Jagannathrao Hegde – Former Sheriff of Mumbai, Jehangir Gai – Consumer
Activist & Columnist. Mumbai & Bejon Misra – Founder, Consumer Online Foundation]

MEDIA COVERAGE:

*      Businessstandard.com:

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