Srinagar: Drugs and Food Control Organization on Sunday issued a public advisory ahead of the nationwide bandh call given by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists on May 20, 2026.
The bandh has been called by the AIOCD over issues related to online sale of medicines and associated concerns.
Officials said the advisory was issued to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines and safeguard public health during the proposed shutdown.
The DFCO said its field machinery and staff across Jammu and Kashmir have been sensitised to maintain coordination with all stakeholders to ensure availability of essential medicines and maintenance of law and order during the bandh period.
The department advised patients suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, cardiac ailments, epilepsy and cancer to procure their regular medicines in advance for May 20 if they do not already have sufficient stock.
People were also advised to arrange emergency medicines including insulin, inhalers, life-saving drugs and paediatric medicines beforehand wherever necessary.
The advisory urged the public not to indulge in panic buying or unnecessary hoarding of medicines and to purchase medicines only against valid prescriptions.
In case of any medical emergency, citizens have been advised to immediately contact nearby hospitals, emergency medical services or government healthcare facilities.
The department also issued directions to chemists and druggists, asking them to ensure peaceful and lawful participation in the bandh without affecting emergency medical services.
Chemists were advised to continue supplying essential and life-saving medicines during emergencies in the larger public interest and refrain from spreading rumours or misinformation through social media or other platforms.
Officials of the Drugs and Food Control Organization have been directed to closely monitor availability of essential medicines across the Union Territory and coordinate with hospitals, wholesalers, emergency pharmacies and district administrations to prevent shortages.
They have also been instructed to maintain communication with chemist associations and submit real-time reports regarding medicine supply to the department’s headquarters and higher authorities.
Police authorities have been requested to provide necessary support to maintain public health, patient safety and social harmony during the bandh and prevent forced closures, intimidation, unlawful activities or disturbance of public peace.
The department said the advisory has been issued in the larger interest of patient safety and public health.
