In protest against the Haffkine Institute for not clearing their longstanding dues, the All India Food and Drugs Licence Holders' Foundation (AIFDLHF) has decided to stop supplying drugs and medical supplies to state-run hospitals from Thursday onwards. Members of the foundation that represents around 100 suppliers across Maharashtra claim that the dues amount to over Rs 200 crore and without them, they are unable to stay afloat.

The Haffkine Institute manages the procurement of drugs, medical supplies and equipment for state-run health facilities across Maharashtra. The orders are placed through tenders and Haffkine Institute is responsible for issuing cheques for the payment to vendors. Abhay Pandey, president of AIFDLHF stated that their dues have not been cleared since January and despite several reminders, they have not heard from Haffkine Institute. "The Haffkine Institute is extremely slow and is even lagging behind on placing orders for 2019-2020. They are not competent. Even though the state has already deposited the funds for payment, the Haffkine Institute is delaying issuing the cheques," he said.