The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has issued a public advisory assuring uninterrupted availability of essential and life-saving medicines across the state on 20 May, ahead of a one-day nationwide shutdown called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). The advisory comes as pharmacy stores across Hyderabad and Telangana prepare to down shutters in protest against recent amendments to drug regulations and the growing role of online pharmacies.

Key Arrangements in Place

Drugs Control Administration Director General Avinash Mohanty confirmed that a meeting was held with the Telangana chapter of the AIOCD, following which it was decided that pharmacy stores attached to hospitals would remain operational throughout the bandh. Corporate pharmacy chains including Apollo and MedPlus have also been advised to keep their outlets open to serve patients.

District chapters of the AIOCD will stay in close contact with Drug Inspectors to ensure medicines are accessible from local stores in emergency situations. All field officers of the department have been directed to remain on alert and respond promptly to any grievances related to medicine availability.

What Citizens Can Do

Residents facing difficulty accessing essential or emergency medicines on 20 May are advised to contact their local Drug Inspector or the Assistant Director of the Drugs Control Administration. The DCA's toll-free helpline — 1800 599 6969 — is available for assistance and information. Contact details and office addresses of DCA officials are listed on the official Telangana DCA website under the 'Key Contacts' section.

Why Chemists Are Striking

The AIOCD and the Hyderabad Chemists and Druggists Association announced the shutdown citing opposition to recent amendments in drug regulations and the unrestricted functioning of online pharmacies and digital medicine platforms. The associations argue that unregulated digital dispensing could lead to medicine misuse, rising antimicrobial resistance, and broader public health risks — concerns that have been echoed by pharmacy bodies in several other states as well.

This is not the first time brick-and-mortar chemists have mobilised against the expansion of e-pharmacy operations in India, with similar protests having taken place in earlier years over regulatory grey areas governing online drug sales.

DCA's Broader Monitoring Stance

Director General Mohanty stated that the DCA is closely monitoring the situation across all districts to prevent any disruption to medicine supply chains. 'All field officers of the Department have been instructed to remain vigilant and respond promptly to any issues relating to medicine availability or public grievances,' he said. The administration has appealed to all stakeholders to cooperate in safeguarding uninterrupted access to medicines during the bandh period.

With hospital-attached pharmacies, major corporate chains, and a dedicated helpline all activated, authorities appear focused on ensuring that patients — particularly those requiring critical or chronic-care medications — are not left without recourse on 20 May.