Hyderabad, May 20: A nationwide strike called by the All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) led to the closure of over 25,000 medical stores across Telangana on Wednesday.
In Hyderabad alone, more than 12,000 medical shops were shut down. The protest aimed to halt online drug sales, end heavy discounts offered by corporate companies, and combat counterfeit medicines.
Medical stores affiliated with hospitals were exempt from the strike.
The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has urged the public not to panic due to the chemists’ strike. They assured that essential and life-saving medicines remain available throughout the state.
State Health Minister Damodar Rajanarasimha instructed officials to take all necessary measures to ensure that individuals in need of life-saving medications face no difficulties.
The DCA has issued a public advisory to ensure patient safety and the continuous availability of essential medicines.
DCA Director General Avinash Mohanty stated that it was decided in a meeting with the AIOCD’s Telangana chapter to keep hospital-affiliated pharmacies open to provide medicines to the public.
In emergencies, AIOCD district branches will maintain constant communication with drug inspectors to ensure local pharmacies can supply medications. Corporate medical stores have also been advised to remain open.
In case of any issues regarding the availability of essential or emergency medicines on May 20, the public can immediately contact their local drug inspector or the DCA’s assistant director for assistance.
The DCA is closely monitoring the situation across the state to ensure the availability of essential and life-saving medicines. All field officers have been instructed to remain vigilant and act promptly on any complaints related to medicine availability.
Contact numbers and office addresses for DCA officials are available on the official Telangana Drugs Control Administration website under the “Key Contacts” section.
For assistance or information regarding medicine availability, the public can also reach out to the DCA Telangana toll-free number at 1800 599 6969.
The AIOCD and the Hyderabad Chemists and Druggists Association called for the strike in opposition to recent amendments in drug regulations and the operations of online pharmacies.
They argue that the unregulated operation of online pharmacies and digital medical platforms could lead to drug misuse, increased antimicrobial resistance, and pose serious threats to public health.
My name is Narendra Jijhontiya. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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