Entrepreneurs operating Chief Minister’s Dispensaries/Mudhalvar Marundhagam in Namakkal district have raised serious concerns over financial losses and alleged official apathy. Several of them have claimed that despite struggling to keep the dispensaries running, local authorities refused to accept their petitions seeking relief.
Chief Minister’s Dispensaries/Mudhalvar Marundhagam—meant to provide affordable medicines to the public—were launched in Namakkal district on 24 February 2025. A total of 27 such dispensaries were opened and operated by local entrepreneurs and cooperative societies.
It is noteworthy that these dispensaries are modelled exactly after the Pradhan Mantri Janaushadi Programme also referred to as Makkal Marundhagam in TN.
However, less than two months since their inauguration, some entrepreneurs say the model is unsustainable without government support. On 15 April 2025, a group approached the Deputy Registrar of the Agricultural Cooperative Sales Society to hand over control of the pharmacies, citing severe financial strain.
“We’ve been selling medicines for just ₹15,000 in the past two months, but our monthly expenses are around ₹25,000,” said one of the affected entrepreneurs. “We have to cover rent, electricity, internet, and the pharmacist’s salary. It’s simply not viable.”
The entrepreneurs said they were turned away when they tried to submit a petition outlining their grievances and requesting that the dispensaries be taken over by the government.
“From the date of the inauguration till today, sales have been consistently low. I can’t pay rent, utility bills, or salaries. We’re drowning in losses,” said another operator.
They urged the government to intervene and provide financial assistance, warning that the dispensaries cannot continue to operate under the current conditions.
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