The emergence of the profession
During World War II, breakthrough medicines were being discovered to treat human ailments, while private corporations and their conglomerates entered the discovery, marketing and selling of medicines. Colonial India became a market for foreign multinational companies.
Major cities became important hubs for medicine marketing. Kolkata was the nucleus of the Eastern Region's operation, with the network extending towards Burma, through undivided Bihar, to Lucknow, Kanpur and Allahabad, and towards Odisha and the border of Andhra Pradesh.
Why organisation became necessary
Medical representatives travelled over large territories, carrying luggage from their headquarters at Kolkata and staying in hotels during touring. They faced threats and intimidation when company sales objectives were not fulfilled and, at times, even faced summary loss of service.
Common staying places during touring and news of trade union formation initiatives across India influenced field workers towards collective organisation. The idea of creating a professional organisation was born out of insecurity, uncertainty and lack of legal opportunities.
