Nationwide Protest Against Online Sale of Medicines
Medicine shops across Odisha are likely to remain closed for 24 hours on May 20 following a nationwide bandh call given by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). The protest has been launched against the sale of medicines through digital and online platforms.
The Utkal Chemists and Druggists Association has also extended support to the bandh and announced closure of medicine stores across the state. According to the association, nearly 30,000 medicine shops in Odisha may remain shut from midnight today till midnight tomorrow.
Emergency Medicine Services to Continue
Although the bandh has been called across the country, organisers have clarified that emergency medicine services will continue during the shutdown period. Essential and life-saving medicines are expected to be made available through selected pharmacies and hospital-linked medicine stores.
The strike is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20.
State Drug Controller Issues Advisory
In view of the statewide shutdown, the State Drugs Controller has issued instructions to all Drugs Inspectors and Assistant Drugs Controllers to ensure that people do not face difficulties in accessing essential medicines.
An eight-point advisory has been released to maintain uninterrupted medicine supply and protect public health during the bandh.
Key Instructions Issued by Authorities
Strict Monitoring of Essential Medicines
Officials have been directed to closely monitor the availability and supply of life-saving and essential medicines in their respective areas.
Hospital Pharmacies to Remain Functional
All in-house pharmacies attached to hospitals and clinical establishments, including 24×7 medicine stores, have been instructed to remain operational with adequate additional staff to meet public demand.
Coordination With Administration and Police
Drug control officials have been asked to coordinate with district administrations and local police authorities wherever necessary to facilitate the opening and functioning of designated medicine shops.
Advance Stock Supply Before Shutdown
Wholesalers and distributors have been instructed to coordinate with retailers to ensure sufficient advance stock of medicines before the bandh begins.
Maintain Communication With Chemists’ Associations
Authorities have been directed to maintain smooth communication with local chemist associations to avoid disruption in medicine distribution during emergency situations arising out of the shutdown.
Special Focus on Critical Patients
The advisory has stressed the importance of ensuring advance supply of medicines for patients suffering from serious diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses.
Real-Time Reporting of Supply Disruptions
Officials have also been instructed to submit real-time reports to higher authorities regarding any disruption or issue in the medicine supply chain. Necessary immediate measures have been ordered to safeguard public health and ensure uninterrupted availability of medicines across the state.