Bhubaneswar, May 19: In a significant move against the sale of medicines through digital and online platforms, chemists across India have called for a nationwide strike on May 20.

The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has announced the bandh, citing concerns over unregulated online sales and their impact on patient safety.

In Odisha, the Utkal Chemists and Druggists Association has joined the protest, declaring that nearly 30,000 medicine shops across the state will remain closed for 24 hours, from Tuesday midnight until Wednesday midnight.
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While retail outlets will remain shut, authorities have assured that emergency medical services will continue uninterrupted. Hospitals, clinics, and 24x7 in-house pharmacies have been instructed to remain functional with adequate staff to meet public demand.

The State Drugs Controller has issued directives to ensure availability of essential and life-saving medicines during the strike. These include strict monitoring of supply chains, coordination with wholesalers to ensure advance distribution, and maintaining communication with local chemist associations to handle emergencies.

District administrations and police have also been asked to facilitate the operation of designated outlets if required.

THE DIRECTIVES

• Keep strict watch on the availability and supply of essential and life-saving medicines in your respective areas.
• Ensure that all in-house pharmacies/shops attached to hospitals and clinical establishments, including 24x7 medical stores, remain functional with sufficient additional staff to meet public demand.
• Where necessary, consult with district administration and local police authorities to facilitate the opening and smooth operation of designated medical shops.
• Coordinate with wholesalers and distributors to ensure adequate advance supply of medicines to retailers before the strike.
• Maintain cordial communication with local chemist associations to enable uninterrupted distribution and supply of medicines during emergencies arising from the bandh.
• Ensure advance distribution of medicines to patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, cancer, and other serious illnesses.
• Submit real-time reports to higher authorities regarding any disruptions or issues in the medicine supply chain. Immediate and necessary steps must be taken to safeguard public health and ensure uninterrupted availability of medicines.

Special emphasis has been placed on ensuring uninterrupted supply for patients suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, and cancer. Authorities have directed that advance distribution of medicines be prioritized for such patients.

The strike highlights growing tensions between traditional chemists and emerging online platforms. Chemists argue that unregulated online sales could lead to misuse, counterfeit drugs, and lack of professional guidance.

The bandh is expected to draw national attention to the issue, as the government considers stricter regulations for e-pharmacies.