Odisha Govt Makes Emergency Medicine Arrangements Ahead of Nationwide Chemists’ Bandh

Bhubaneswar: Anticipating possible disruption in medicine supply due to the nationwide bandh called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists on May 20, the Odisha government has announced a series of measures to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential and life-saving medicines across the state.

The Health and Family Welfare Department, based on inputs from the Drugs Controller of Odisha, has directed health institutions and regulatory officials to remain prepared to manage emergency medicine requirements during the shutdown of medical shops.

Officials said all Niramaya Centres functioning in government health institutions across Odisha will continue dispensing medicines to patients without interruption. Chief District Medical and Public Health Officers (CDM&PHOs) of all districts have been instructed to closely monitor the arrangements and ensure smooth functioning.

Medicine stores operating within hospital campuses have also been directed to remain open during the bandh period. In addition, all Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendras will function normally to provide affordable medicines to patients.

The government has further instructed all in-house pharmacies attached to hospitals and clinical establishments, including 24×7 medicine stores, to continue operations to avoid inconvenience to patients requiring urgent medication.

Officials informed that several corporate-run chemist shops, which are not associated with the AIOCD, are also expected to remain open during the bandh.

To maintain adequate availability of medicines, all Drugs Inspectors and Assistant Drugs Controllers have been directed to monitor the stock and supply position of essential and life-saving drugs in their respective jurisdictions.

Drugs Inspectors have also been asked to coordinate with wholesalers and distributors to ensure advance supply of medicines to retail outlets before the bandh comes into effect.

The state government has appealed to local chemist associations to cooperate in maintaining uninterrupted distribution and dispensing of medicines, particularly during emergency situations.

Special emphasis has been placed on ensuring medicine access in remote areas. Chemists operating in such regions have been advised to dispense medicines in advance to patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, cardiac ailments, epilepsy and cancer to avoid disruption in treatment.

Officials said the government is closely monitoring the situation and has taken preventive steps to ensure that healthcare services and access to critical medicines remain unaffected during the bandh.