Bhubaneswar, May 19: Ahead of the nationwide strike called by chemists and druggists on May 20, the Directorate of Drugs Control has directed all drug inspectors across Odisha to take proactive measures to prevent any shortage of medicines and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.

In an official communication, the Directorate instructed drug inspectors to closely monitor the stock and availability of essential and life-saving medicines in their respective jurisdictions. Hospitals and clinical establishments have been asked to keep their in-house pharmacies, including 24×7 medical outlets, fully functional with adequate staff during the strike period.

Officials have also been directed to coordinate with wholesalers and distributors to maintain sufficient advance stock of medicines. The department asked drug inspectors to work closely with district administrations and local police authorities to ensure smooth functioning of selected chemist shops wherever required.

Special attention has been given to rural and remote areas. Chemists have been advised to provide advance medicines to patients suffering from chronic ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, epilepsy, heart disease and cancer to avoid inconvenience during the strike.

The Directorate further instructed officials to maintain continuous coordination with local chemist associations and immediately report any medicine shortage or supply disruption. Drug inspectors have also been prohibited from leaving their headquarters without prior approval on the strike day.

The nationwide strike has been called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) in protest against the growing operations of e-pharmacies and instant medicine delivery platforms.

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