The All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) association is observing a nationwide strike today. The move is expected to affect medicine supply for the day in several parts of the country, including Odisha.

The association says the protest is aimed at drawing attention to regulatory gaps that have allegedly allowed e-pharmacies and instant medicine delivery platforms to operate without adequate oversight.

In view of the proposed nationwide bandh call AIOCD, the Health & Family Welfare Department, Odisha, has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure uninterrupted access to emergency and life-saving medicines across the State. 

As per the information available from Drugs Controller of Odisha, the arrangement includes the following:

– All Niramaya Centres in Government Health Institutions will dispense medicines to patients under the supervision of CDM & PHOs

– Medicine stores inside hospital campuses will remain open

– All Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs) will function normally

– All in-house pharmacies and 24×7 medicine stores attached to hospitals and clinical establishments will remain open

– Corporate-run chemist shops not associated with AIOCD are expected to operate as usual

– Drugs Inspectors and Assistant Drugs Controllers have been directed to monitor availability and supply of essential medicines

– Officials have been instructed to coordinate with wholesalers and distributors for adequate advance supply of medicines

– Local chemist associations have been requested to facilitate uninterrupted dispensing of medicines during emergencies

– Chemists in remote areas have been advised to ensure advance dispensing of medicines for patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, cardiac ailments, epilepsy, cancer and other serious diseases.