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ADNews-Monrovia: series of disturbing allegations surrounding Nand Pharmacy has come to light, revealing significant concerns about the mistreatment of employees and unethical business practices. Former workers and whistleblowers are stepping forward with claims of unsanitary living conditions, unsafe work environments, and severe labor exploitation. These revelations paint a grim picture of a company that is accused of not only violating basic human rights but also jeopardizing public health.
Allegations of Inhumane Living Conditions
Multiple former employees have shared their harrowing experiences, reporting appalling living conditions provided by Nand Pharmacy. One of the most shocking claims includes unsafe drinking water, with reports of fungal contamination in the water purifier and unsanitary storage of drinking water. Former employees have also cited poor hygiene and food preparation conditions, with meals that were often stored for days, improperly prepared, and sometimes spoiled due to extreme heat.
A former staff member described the meals provided as insufficient and unhealthy. “We were promised proper vegetarian meals, but all we got was potatoes and a few vegetables every day. The food was either spoiled or prepared too late, sometimes with chapatis kept in the fridge for weeks. It was inhumane,” the employee stated in their complaint.
Perhaps most concerning are the reported health risks. Several workers have described suffering from various illnesses, including skin infections, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, which they attribute directly to the unsanitary conditions they were forced to endure. The lack of basic sanitation, unsafe water, and poor food are at the heart of the health crisis among Nand Pharmacy’s staff.
Alleged Forced Labor and Salary Withholding
In addition to the dire living conditions, Nand Pharmacy is also accused of financial exploitation. Many employees have reported being forced to work under grueling conditions, with long hours and minimal rest. Workers were reportedly required to pay a “deposit” that withheld the first three months of their salary, effectively trapping them in their contracts.
Former employees have also claimed that, upon leaving, they were forced to pay hefty fees (up to INR 3 lakh) for their return flight to India. Several workers have alleged that they were sent back to India without receiving their due salaries, with no legal recourse. One ex-employee claimed they had not been paid for six months and were forced to leave the company due to the unbearable working conditions.
Unsafe Products and Public Health Violations
In a shocking twist, Nand Pharmacy is also accused of engaging in dangerous practices that jeopardize public health. Whistleblowers have come forward with allegations that the pharmacy was selling expired and near-expired products, particularly a product marketed as “Baby Girl” pads. According to sources, Nand Pharmacy allegedly used alcohol to erase expiration dates, then sold the expired products in bulk to unsuspecting customers.
These claims were further corroborated by former employees who pointed to unsanitary storage conditions, where expired products were allegedly kept and sold, violating safety regulations and potentially endangering public health. In response to these allegations, Nand Pharmacy’s management has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the products sold were well within their expiration dates. However, photos of the allegedly tampered products, including clear images of the expiration dates, have raised doubts about the company’s claims.
Legal and Diplomatic Intervention
As these allegations continue to surface, there has been an outcry for legal intervention. Several employees, including those who have been forced to leave Liberia under duress, have written to the Indian Embassy, seeking urgent intervention to address the exploitation and unsafe working conditions. One employee, in a letter to the embassy, detailed the physical and emotional toll the conditions had taken, demanding immediate action to secure their salary and personal belongings.
The response from Nand Pharmacy has been to dismiss the allegations, claiming that former employees are spreading false information due to personal grievances. In a statement issued by Amit Kabra, the company’s owner, he categorically denied all claims of inhumane practices, asserting that the company adheres to legal and ethical business standards. He also accused the accusers of having been involved in theft and misappropriation of company property, which allegedly led to their dismissal.
Despite these denials, there is mounting evidence of the company’s questionable practices, and former employees are determined to seek justice. As of today, some are organizing to publicly expose the locations where expired products are being stored and sold, hoping to hold Nand Pharmacy accountable for its actions.
The Way Forward: Exposing the Truth
The situation at Nand Pharmacy remains dire, with serious questions surrounding the health, safety, and rights of its workers. While the company continues to deny all allegations, the voices of those who have suffered under its labor practices cannot be ignored. Legal action is being pursued, and more former employees are coming forward with their stories, eager to shed light on the exploitation they endured.
In response to these ongoing issues, calls for government intervention, both from Liberia and India, are intensifying. Indian embassy officials have been urged to ensure the safety and well-being of their nationals working in Liberia, while local authorities are being pressured to investigate the claims of public health violations and labor exploitation.
As the story unfolds, it is clear that this is not just about the mistreatment of workers; it’s a matter of corporate accountability, human dignity, and public safety. The public and international community must demand answers and take swift action to ensure that such unethical practices do not continue.
For now, the story remains fluid, with more information expected to emerge in the coming weeks. But one thing is certain: the workers at Nand Pharmacy are no longer silent, and their fight for justice is just beginning.
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