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New Delhi:- Now a big movement of drug traders will be seen against online medicine business across the country. On the call of All India Chemists and Druggists Organization i.e. AIOCD, a nationwide 24-hour strike has been announced on 20 May 2026. Medical stores across the country including Chhattisgarh will participate in this bandh. Drug traders say that e-pharmacy companies are bypassing the rules and supplying medicines without valid prescription, which is putting the health of the people and the future of the youth at risk. Surguja Drug Dealers Association has also made complete preparations for this strike.
Medical stores across the country will remain closed on May 20. More than 600 medical stores of Surguja district will participate in this strike on the call of All India Chemists and Druggists Organization. At the same time, it is estimated that more than 15 thousand medicine shops will remain closed in the entire Chhattisgarh. President of Surguja Drug Dealers Association, Amit Aggarwal said that the traditional medical business is being badly affected by the increasing business of online medicine companies. He said that about 12 lakh 50 thousand chemist families across the country are associated with this business and the livelihood of about one crore people including employees depends on this business. Drug traders allege that many e-pharmacy platforms are providing legitimate prescription medicines without a doctor. Not only this, Schedule-H and intoxicating drugs are also being easily delivered from door to door, which can become a serious threat to the society.
Union officials say that their protest is not against any technology or online facility, but against the wrongly running e-pharmacy business. He says that on the basis of GSR 817 E and GSR 220 E provisions implemented during Covid-19, many companies are now distributing medicines ignoring the rules. According to the President of Surguja and Lamp Vendors Association, if we talk about Surguja district, business worth Rs 2 to 4 crore can be affected due to one day strike. Due to closure of medical stores across the country, there will be a big impact on the pharmaceutical business. Now drug traders are demanding strict rules and monitoring for e-pharmacy from the government.

Essential medicines will be available at these places
To provide relief to the common citizens and patients in case the medical stores remain closed during the nationwide strike proposed on May 20, the administration has ensured alternative medicine arrangements. To maintain the availability of essential medicines, Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJAK) will be kept active, where common and essential generic medicines will be available at low prices.

Apart from this, Dhanwantri Medical Stores run by the state government will also be open for distribution of medicines, so that the patients can get the necessary medicines on time. Provision of life-saving medicines and emergency services will continue in government hospitals. Besides, private hospitals, nursing homes and other authorized medicine distribution centers have also been instructed to maintain the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies, so that the general public does not have to face any kind of inconvenience.

Administration’s appeal to patients and general public
The administration has appealed to the citizens that there is no need to panic. Patients who require regular medicines should purchase the necessary medicines in advance. Especially patients suffering from diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease, asthma and other serious diseases have been advised to keep adequate stock of their medicines. Along with this, people have been appealed not to pay attention to rumors and take medicines only from authorized centres.

Government gave strict instructions
The state government has instructed all concerned departments to work in coordination. The District Administration, Health Department and Food and Drug Administration have been given the responsibility to jointly handle the situation. The government says that the general public will not be allowed to face any kind of problem and essential health services will continue in full force.

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