All major pharmacy chains, hospital-based medical stores, Jan Aushadhi Kendras and AMRIT pharmacy outlets across India will remain open on May 20, despite a nationwide shutdown call by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) over concerns related to e-pharmacies, according to sources on Tuesday, reported the PTI.
Several state-level pharmacy associations have already decided not to participate in the proposed strike. These include associations from West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Ladakh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand, according to the PTI.
They have submitted written assurances stating that they will ensure there is no disruption in the supply of medicines on the day of the proposed protest.
Concerns over e-pharmacies
The strike call was reportedly issued by the AIOCD due to concerns regarding the regulation and functioning of e-pharmacies.
Representatives of the organisation recently met the national drug regulator and raised issues related to the online sale and distribution of medicines, according to the PTI.
According to sources, the drug regulator assured the delegation that the concerns raised are under active review. The regulatory framework governing e-pharmacies is being examined to address the issues raised by retail chemists.
Following this assurance, several pharmacy associations expressed satisfaction with the response from the regulator.
Medicine supply
Sources told the PTI that many retail pharmacy associations chose not to join the strike in the interest of the public and to ensure uninterrupted access to essential and life-saving medicines.
They noted that any disruption in chemist shops could cause serious inconvenience, particularly for patients dependent on regular medication and critical medical supplies, as per the PTI.
Mumbai FDA sets up control rooms in city
Ahead of the nationwide strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) on May 20, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has activated emergency measures across Mumbai to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential medicines and life-saving drugs.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the FDA’s Brihanmumbai division said that elaborate arrangements have been made to avoid disruption in medicine supply during the one-day bandh. Citizens have also been urged not to panic or engage in unnecessary bulk purchases of medicines.
Officials have instructed medical shop owners to maintain adequate stock of essential medicines before the strike. The department is also working closely with district authorities, police, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation health officials, private hospitals, and doctors’ associations to minimise inconvenience to patients.
(with PTI inputs)