Tamil Nadu government assures uninterrupted medicine supply during the nationwide chemists’ strike on May 20. Health Minister K.G. Arunraj said over 5,000 pharmacies will remain operational while emergency healthcare services and essential drug availability are being closely monitored across the state.
Public healthcare services in Tamil Nadu are expected to function without disruption despite the nationwide strike called by pharmacy unions against the Union government’s policies on online medicine sales. The state government has assured residents that adequate arrangements have been made to ensure uninterrupted access to medicines and emergency healthcare facilities during the one-day shutdown on May 20.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister K.G. Arunraj addressed the media at the Secretariat in Chennai on Tuesday and stated that the government has taken proactive steps to prevent inconvenience to patients. He said Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had issued clear directives to all concerned departments to maintain essential medical services and guarantee the availability of medicines throughout the state.
According to the minister, hospital-attached pharmacies across Tamil Nadu will continue operations despite the “Bandh” call. Private hospital pharmacies are also expected to remain functional, ensuring that patients receiving treatment in hospitals will not face difficulties in obtaining prescribed medicines.
Arunraj said nearly 5,000 pharmacies would remain open during the strike period. He added that while Tamil Nadu has around 50,000 pharmacies, only a limited number are expected to shut operations temporarily in support of the nationwide protest. The majority of medicine outlets are likely to function normally, helping maintain steady healthcare services across urban and rural regions.
To strengthen coordination during the shutdown, the state government has deployed drug inspectors in all districts. These officials have been instructed to monitor medicine availability, coordinate with pharmacy associations, and respond swiftly to emergency situations. The government has also conducted extensive discussions with stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors to ensure uninterrupted supply chains.
The minister advised the public not to panic and said emergency medical requirements would be handled efficiently. Residents facing urgent medicine shortages during the strike can directly contact designated drug inspector coordinators in their respective districts for assistance.
The nationwide protest has been organised by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists, which represents more than 12 lakh chemists across the country. The association has raised concerns over the rapid expansion of online medicine sales and alleged lack of proper regulation for e-pharmacy platforms.
Pharmacy unions have argued that unchecked online sales of medicines could pose serious risks to patient safety. Among their concerns are deep discounting practices by corporate e-pharmacy companies, unauthorised sale of prescription medicines, and increasing misuse of antibiotics and habit-forming drugs. The organisations have also warned that uncontrolled online distribution may contribute to antimicrobial resistance, a growing global healthcare challenge.
Responding to questions regarding online medicine distribution, Arunraj stated that the issue stems from policy decisions taken by the Union government. However, he assured that Tamil Nadu would closely monitor developments and take strict action against any violations related to illegal online drug sales or improper distribution practices within the state.
The minister also addressed concerns regarding Artificial Intelligence-generated prescriptions. He said the state government had taken note of the issue and was actively exploring safeguards to prevent misuse of AI technology in healthcare and pharmaceutical services.
Apart from the healthcare issue, Arunraj reiterated the position of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test. He described the examination as an infringement on state rights and maintained that Tamil Nadu would continue urging the Union government to reconsider the system in the interest of federal principles and equitable medical admissions.
The Tamil Nadu government’s preparedness ahead of the strike reflects its attempt to balance public health priorities with the ongoing national debate surrounding pharmacy regulations and online medicine platforms. Officials remain on alert to ensure seamless access to life-saving medicines and emergency healthcare services during the shutdown period.
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As uncertainty continues over future regulations concerning e-pharmacy operations in India, Tamil Nadu authorities have emphasised that patient welfare and uninterrupted healthcare access will remain the state’s highest priority.
