Bhubaneswar: With a nationwide strike by chemists and druggists scheduled for May 20, the Directorate of Drugs Control, Odisha has directed all drug inspectors in the state to take proactive steps to prevent any shortage of medicines.
In an official letter, the Directorate has instructed drug inspectors to closely monitor the stock and availability of essential and life-saving drugs in their respective areas. Hospitals and other clinical establishments have been asked to keep their in-house pharmacies, including 24×7 outlets, fully operational with sufficient staff to meet public demand during the strike period.
The department has also asked officials to coordinate with wholesalers and distributors to ensure adequate advance stocking of medicines. Drug inspectors have been directed to work with district administrations and local police to facilitate the smooth functioning of selected chemist shops wherever necessary.
Special emphasis has been laid on remote and rural areas. Chemists have been advised to provide advance medicines to patients suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, epilepsy, heart conditions, and cancer.
Officials have been told to maintain constant communication with local chemist associations to avoid any disruption in emergency medical services. They have also been instructed to submit immediate reports in case of any shortage or supply chain issues. Additionally, drug inspectors have been barred from leaving their headquarters on the day of the strike without prior permission.
The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), representing around 12.4 lakh chemists, pharmacists, and distributors across the country, has called the strike in protest against the operations of e-pharmacies and instant medicine delivery platforms.
Meanwhile, the Utkal Chemists and Druggists Association has announced a statewide shutdown of all medicine shops on May 20 to protest against the growing online sale of medicines.
The outfit strongly opposed the online trade of drugs, stating that it poses a serious threat to the livelihood of thousands of chemists and their employees.
Utkal Chemists and Druggists Association represents around 30,000 medicine traders across Odisha, who support nearly 2.5 lakh families. While the online sale of medicines is rapidly increasing, it is pushing traditional drug stores and their employees out of business. They pointed out that selling drugs and cosmetics online is not legal as per existing rules, yet no strict action is being taken by the authorities.
