Over 25,000 medical shops in Telangana shut down on Wednesday following a one-day bandh call by the All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). In Hyderabad, more than 12,000 medical shops closed to protest against online medicine sales, corporate discounts, and counterfeit drugs. Shops linked to hospitals were excluded from the strike to ensure essential medicine availability.
The Telangana Drugs Control Administration assured the public of a steady supply of crucial medications despite the chemists’ strike. Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha instructed officials to guarantee uninterrupted access to life-saving drugs for those in need. The Drug Control Administration issued a public advisory emphasizing patient safety and continuous access to essential medicines.
To prevent inconvenience, pharmacy stores attached to hospitals were designated to provide medicines during the strike. District AIOCD chapters will coordinate with Drug Inspectors to source medicines from local stores in emergencies. Corporate medical outlets were advised to remain open to cater to public needs.
In case of any difficulties obtaining essential medicines on May 20, individuals were urged to contact local Drugs Inspectors or the Assistant Director of the Drugs Control Administration promptly for assistance. The Drugs Control Administration is actively overseeing medicine availability across Telangana, with field officers on alert to address any issues.
For immediate help or information on medicine availability, the public can reach out to Drugs Control Administration officials through their contact numbers or the toll-free helpline. Stakeholders were urged to collaborate to ensure continuous access to medicines during the bandh. AIOCD and the Hyderabad Chemists and Druggists Association organized the bandh to protest recent drug regulation amendments and online pharmacy operations, citing concerns over potential misuse of medicines and public health risks.
