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New Delhi:- Chemists and drug traders across the country have called for a nationwide strike on 20 May 2026. Medical stores are likely to remain closed in many states including Chhattisgarh. Drug vendor organizations say that online medicine sales are affecting the traditional medical business and sale of medicines without adequate monitoring can pose a risk to the health of patients.

State government and administration on alert mode
In view of the possible drug crisis, the Food and Drug Administration and the Health Department have issued necessary guidelines to all the districts. Officials have been asked to maintain adequate stock of life-saving medicines and essential medical supplies in hospitals and health centres.

Relief will be available from Janaushadhi centers
To ensure that patients do not face any problem during the strike, preparations have been made to keep Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Kendras and Government Dhanwantari Medical Stores active. Here essential generic medicines will be made available to the common people. Apart from this, medicine distribution will also continue in government hospitals and authorized health centres.

Advice for serious patients to prepare in advance
The administration has especially appealed to the patients suffering from diseases like diabetes, heart disease, blood pressure and asthma to purchase their regular medicines in advance and keep them safe. People have also been asked to avoid rumors and trust only authorized medical centres.

E-Pharmacy vs Traditional Medical Store
There has been a long-running controversy regarding online medicine sales. Chemist organizations allege that many e-pharmacy platforms are selling medicines without valid prescription, which may affect the safety of patients. At the same time, online companies argue that medicines are being available to people at home through digital platforms.

Keep an eye on health services
If the strike is successful on a large scale, drug supply may be affected in many areas. However, the administration has assured that emergency services and treatment of serious patients will not be affected. Health department teams are continuously monitoring the situation.

Important advice for citizens
The administration has asked people not to panic, but buy the necessary medicines in advance. Also keep emergency numbers and information about nearby hospitals with you, so that you can get immediate help if needed.

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