Hyderabad,

The nationwide strike called by chemists and druggists against alleged illegal e-pharmacy operations witnessed an almost complete shutdown of medical stores across Telangana on Wednesday, according to the Telangana Chemists and Druggists Association.

Association General Secretary T Raju said that barring a small number of outlets in Hyderabad, nearly all of the state’s 45,000 medical shops remained closed in support of the bandh.

He added that the few shops still operating in some areas were also expected to shut down later in the day.

The protest was called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) against what it described as unlawful e-pharmacy operations and aggressive pricing practices by large corporate platforms.

Meanwhile, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) issued a public advisory stating that it had held discussions with the Telangana chapter of the AIOCD to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines during the strike.

As part of the arrangement, pharmacy outlets attached to hospitals were asked to remain operational for emergency medicine supply. The advisory also said local AIOCD district units would coordinate with Drug Inspectors to ensure medicines could be made available through nearby stores if required.

The DCA further directed major retail pharmacy chains, including Apollo Pharmacy and MedPlus, to continue operations during the bandh.

Authorities advised the public to contact local Drug Inspectors or DCA officials in case they face difficulties in obtaining essential or life-saving medicines.

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The administration said it was closely monitoring the situation across Telangana to ensure there was no disruption in the availability of critical medicines.