Bhubaneswar, May 19: The Directorate of Drugs Control, Odisha has issued urgent instructions to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential medicines in view of the chemists’ and druggists’ shutdown scheduled for May 20.
All drug inspectors across the state have been directed to closely monitor the stock and supply of essential and life-saving medicines in their respective areas. Hospitals and healthcare institutions have been instructed to keep their in-house pharmacies, including 24×7 outlets, fully operational with adequate manpower to meet public demand during the shutdown period.
The department has also directed coordination with wholesalers and distributors to ensure advance stocking of medicines and prevent any disruption in supply chains. Where necessary, officials have been asked to work in coordination with district administrations and local police to ensure smooth functioning of select pharmacy outlets.
Special emphasis has been placed on rural and remote regions to ensure uninterrupted access to medicines for patients suffering from chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, epilepsy, heart disease, and cancer. Chemists have also been advised to provide advance stocks to such patients to avoid inconvenience.
Officials have been instructed to maintain continuous communication with chemist associations and promptly report any shortage or supply-related issues. Drug inspectors have also been directed not to leave their headquarters on the day of the shutdown without prior permission.
The measures come ahead of the nationwide strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), which is protesting against e-pharmacies and instant medicine delivery platforms. In Odisha, the Utkal Chemists and Druggists Association has also announced a statewide shutdown of medicine shops in support of the protest.