The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced emergency contact numbers and initiated measures to guarantee uninterrupted medicine availability in Nagpur district ahead of the May 20 strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists.
Helpline Numbers for Citizens
The FDA has issued helpline contact numbers for patients and their relatives who require urgent medicines. Citizens can reach out to the following Drug Inspectors for assistance: Swati Bharde at 9890828194, Prashant Ramteke at 9028670024, and Abhishek Chavardol at 8897940981.
Background of the Strike
Chemists' associations across the country have called for a bandh to protest against online pharmacies. In response, the FDA stated that extensive preparations have been made to maintain a smooth supply of essential drugs during the strike period.
Meetings and Appeals
According to the administration, a meeting with office-bearers of retail and wholesale chemists' associations in the district was held on May 11. The FDA appealed to chemists not to participate in the strike in the larger public interest and to keep medical stores operational. Officials mentioned that efforts are being made to personally contact medicine shop owners and persuade them to remain open.
Administration's Directives
The administration has directed that adequate precautions be taken to ensure patients do not face hardship due to the bandh. Authorities have appealed to citizens not to panic and clarified that several major pharmacy chains in Nagpur, including MedPlus Chemist and Druggist, Apollo Pharmacy, and Wellness Forever, will continue operations as usual on May 20.
