In view of the nationwide bandh call given by the All India Organization of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD) on May 20, 2026, the Drugs & Food Control Organization (DFCO), UT of Jammu & Kashmir has issued a public advisory and precautionary measures to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines and safeguard public health during the proposed band call.The nationwide bandh has been called by the AIOCD to highlight grievances related to online sale of medicines and other associated issues and concerns.
The Drugs & Food Control Organization, UT of J&K has already sensitized its field machinery and manpower to maintain effective coordination within and outside the department with all stakeholders during the bandh period to ensure that public safety, availability of essential medicines, and maintenance of law and order are not compromised.As a proactive measure, the department has appealed to all stakeholders to adopt necessary precautions during the bandh period.
For the general public and consumers, the department has advised patients suffering from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, asthma, cardiac ailments, epilepsy, cancer and other serious illnesses to procure their regular medicines in advance for May 20, if not already available with them. The advisory further urges people to arrange emergency medicines including insulin, inhalers, life-saving drugs and paediatric medicines beforehand, wherever necessary.The department has also advised the public to avoid panic buying or unnecessary hoarding of medicines and to purchase medicines only against valid prescriptions. Consumers have been urged to cooperate with pharmacy staff and authorities during the bandh period.In case of any medical emergency, people have been advised to immediately contact nearby hospitals, emergency medical services or government health facilities.
The department has also issued precautionary measures for chemists and druggists, directing them to ensure peaceful and lawful participation in the bandh without affecting emergency medical services. Chemists and druggists have been advised to supply essential and life-saving medicines in emergency situations in the larger public interest and refrain from spreading rumours or misinformation through social media or any other platform.
Similarly, officers and officials of the Drugs & Food Control Organization, UT of J&K have been directed to closely monitor the availability of essential and life-saving medicines across the Union Territory. They have also been instructed to coordinate with hospitals, emergency pharmacies, wholesalers and district administrations to prevent shortages of critical medicines and maintain continuous communication with chemist associations for peaceful resolution of issues through coordination.
The officers have further been directed to submit real-time reports regarding medicine supply to the helpline established at the Head Office and to higher authorities.
Meanwhile, police authorities in their respective jurisdictions have been requested to provide necessary support and assistance to the department to uphold public health, patient safety and social harmony during the bandh by preventing forced closure, intimidation, obstruction, unlawful activities, rumour mongering, violence or disturbance of public peace.
The advisory has been issued in the larger interest of patient safety and public health.