SRINAGAR: The Drugs and Food Control Organisation (DFCO), Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday issued a public advisory and precautionary measures ahead of the nationwide bandh called by the All IndiaOrganisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) on May 20, 2026, to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential medicines and maintain public health services across the Union Territory.
According to the advisory, the nationwide bandh has been called by the All IndiaOrganisation of Chemists and Druggists over grievances related to online sale of medicines and associated concerns. The Drugs and Food Control Organization said its field machinery and manpower had been sensitised to maintain coordination with stakeholders during the bandh period to ensure availability of essential medicines and prevent disruption to public services.
The department advised patients suffering from chronic illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, asthma, cardiac ailments, epilepsy and cancer, to procure their regular medicines in advance for May 20 if not already available with them. The advisory also asked the public to arrange emergency medicines, including insulin, inhalers, paediatric medicines and other life-saving drugs beforehand where necessary. Consumers were urged not to engage in panic buying or hoarding of medicines and to purchase medicines only against valid prescriptions. The department also appealed to the public to cooperate with pharmacy staff and authorities during the bandh period.
The advisory stated that in case of medical emergencies, people should immediately contact nearby hospitals, emergency medical services or government health facilities.
The department also issued directions for chemists and druggists, asking them to ensure peaceful and lawful participation in the bandh without affecting emergency medical services. They were advised to provide essential and life-saving medicines during emergencies and refrain from spreading rumours or misinformation through social media or other platforms.
Officials of the DFCO have been directed to monitor the availability of essential medicines across the Union Territory and coordinate with hospitals, emergency pharmacies, wholesalers and district administrations to prevent shortages of critical drugs.
Authorities said officers have also been instructed to maintain communication with chemist associations and submit real-time reports on medicine supply to the department’s head office and higher authorities.
Police authorities in different jurisdictions have been requested to assist the department in preventing forced closure, intimidation, obstruction, violence, rumour mongering or disturbance to public order during the bandh period. The advisory said the measures had been issued in the interest of patient safety and public health.
