Bhubaneswar, May 19: All medicine shops across the state will remain closed on Wednesday, May 20, prompting the Drug Control administration to issue a set of guidelines to ensure uninterrupted availability of medicines to the public during the shutdown.

The Drug Control department has directed Assistant Drug Controllers to take immediate preparatory measures and closely monitor the supply of essential and life-saving medicines in their respective areas.

Officials have been instructed to ensure that all in-house pharmacies attached to hospitals and clinical establishments, including 24x7 medicine stores, remain functional with adequate staff to handle public demand. District administrations and local police authorities have also been asked to extend support for the smooth operation of designated medicine shops wherever required.

The department has further directed wholesalers and distributors to maintain sufficient advance supply of medicines to retailers ahead of the shutdown. Chemists’ associations have been asked to remain in constant coordination with authorities to avoid any disruption in medicine distribution during emergencies.

Special emphasis has been laid on ensuring advance availability of medicines for patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, epilepsy and cancer, particularly in remote areas.

Authorities have also been instructed to submit real-time reports on any disruption in the medicine supply chain. The Drug Control administration stated that all necessary measures are being taken to safeguard public health and ensure uninterrupted access to medicines during the bandh.