Hyderabad, May 19: The Telangana Drug Control Administration (DCA) has assured the availability of essential and life-saving medicines across the state in light of the nationwide shutdown scheduled for May 20.
This shutdown has been called by the All India Chemists and Druggists Organization (AIOCD). To maintain patient safety and ensure uninterrupted access to medicines, the DCA has issued a public advisory.
DCA Director General Avinash Mohanty stated that during a meeting with the Telangana unit of AIOCD, it was decided that medical stores associated with hospitals will remain open for public convenience.
He mentioned that AIOCD’s district units will coordinate with drug inspectors to ensure the availability of medicines from local medical stores during emergencies.
Additionally, corporate medical stores like Apollo Pharmacy and MedPlus have also been advised to remain operational.
The Director General emphasized that if there are any issues regarding the availability of essential or emergency medicines on May 20, individuals should immediately contact their local drug inspector or the DCA’s assistant director.
He added that the situation will be monitored continuously across the state to ensure the availability of necessary and life-saving medicines.
Mohanty stated, “All field officers of the department have been instructed to remain vigilant and take immediate action on matters related to the availability of medicines or public complaints.”
Contact numbers and office addresses for DCA officials are available in the “Key Contacts” section of the department’s official website. Additionally, people can reach out for assistance or information about medicines at the toll-free number 1800 599 6969.
The DCA has appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate in ensuring uninterrupted access to medicines for the public during the shutdown.
In fact, the Hyderabad Chemists and Druggists Association and AIOCD announced the closure of medical stores in protest against recent amendments to drug regulations and the operation of online pharmacies.
The organizations argue that the uncontrolled operation of online pharmacies and digital medicine platforms poses a serious threat to public health, leading to drug misuse and increased antimicrobial resistance.
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