If you or any member of your family regularly takes medicine for any disease, then this news is very important for you. In fact, there may be a shortage of medicines across the country on 20 May 2026 (Wednesday), because under the leadership of All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), more than 12.40 lakh chemists across the country are preparing for ‘Bharat Bandh’. In such a situation, there is a possibility that medicine shops will remain completely closed in most cities, towns and villages of the country.

Why are chemists going on strike?

The main reason for this big protest by drug sellers is the medicines sold on the internet i.e. ‘e-pharmacy’ and the huge discounts given by big corporate companies. Chemists clearly say that medicines are being sold on online platforms without any strict rules and regulations. This has not only resulted in their business being shut down, but it is also becoming a big threat to the lives of the patients.

Chemists told their 3 biggest concerns

Medicines are being sold without proper testing: The biggest allegation of chemists is that medicines are being sold indiscriminately on online websites and apps without proper prescription from any doctor. People are ordering medicines by uploading the same prescription again and again on the internet. In many cases, drugs and heavy antibiotics are easily reaching homes through fake prescriptions. This is harming the health of common people.

Small shopkeepers ruined by huge discounts of big companies: Big corporate houses are offering such huge discounts on medicines on online platforms that ordinary chemists in localities, villages, towns and small cities are unable to compete with them. Due to continuous heavy losses, business of small shopkeepers is coming to a standstill and shops are being closed.

Misuse of loose rules during Corona period: During the Corona epidemic (Covid-19), when it was difficult to leave the house, the government temporarily relaxed some rules related to the sale of medicines. Chemists say that even after the end of the pandemic, those rules are still in force and e-pharmacy companies are taking advantage of them.

What are the main demands of the organization?

• The temporary rules (GSR 220(E)) issued during the Corona period should be canceled with immediate effect.
• The notification (GSR 817(E)) exempting online pharmacies should be withdrawn completely.
• There should be a ban on the huge discounts given by big companies by breaking the market rules.

Question of patients’ lives and employment of 5 crore people

AIOCD President J. S. Shinde and General Secretary Rajiv Singhal have warned that this fight is not limited to just saving the business of chemists, but it is a serious matter directly related to the safety of patients. Due to these illegal e-pharmacies and huge discounts, there is a big crisis in the livelihood of about 5 crore people associated with the drug trade. The organization has given an ultimatum that if no concrete solution is found by paying attention to their problems by May 20, then this strike will not last for just one day. After this, chemists across the country will be forced to protest for a long time, due to which the health system of the entire country may be affected.

Also read: Does smoking cigarettes really make the voice heavier? Know the truth behind this

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator

Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and 10 major central trade unions of the country have called for Bharat Bandh on 12 February. This bandh has been called in protest against the India-US interim trade agreement, the economic policies of the central government and new labor laws. The movement has the support of many national unions including INTUC, AITUC, CITU, HMS. Organizations claim that around 30 crore workers can participate in this strike.

Many bank unions are also joining in support of the bandh, due to which banking services are expected to be affected. Unions like AIBEA, AIBOA and BEFI have decided to join the strike, due to which the work in public sector banks may be affected.

On which issues is Bharat Bandh observed?

Farmers, laborers and employee organizations have raised many demands regarding the policies of the central government. Major demands include opposition to the India-US interim trade agreement, demand for withdrawal of four new labor codes, opposition to privatization of government undertakings, restoration of the old pension scheme (OPS), increase in minimum wages, protection of rights of construction and power sector workers and changes in agricultural policies. Bus, auto-rickshaw and truck unions in many states are also likely to join the strike, which could have a widespread impact on transport services.

Which services will be affected?

Transport services may be affected in many states. Public and private transport may be disrupted due to support from bus, auto and truck unions. There is a possibility of impact on the traffic system in big cities. In banking services, counter services in public sector banks may remain slow and delay in check clearance is possible. However, banks will not remain formally closed. Online banking, digital payments and ATM services will continue as normal. Markets and business may also be affected.

Many trade organizations and markets have supported the strike, due to which wholesale and retail markets may remain partially or completely closed. In government offices, there may be less presence of employees in departments influenced by trade unions, due to which the work may slow down. The local administration can take decisions regarding schools and colleges as per the situation. Due to transport and security reasons, holiday may be declared in some districts.

Which services will remain normal?

Hospitals, ambulances and other emergency services will continue as normal. Fire department, air travel and airport operations will not be affected. Digital banking and ATM services will also remain operational.

Will banks remain closed on 12th February?

February 12 has not been declared an official holiday by the Reserve Bank of India or any bank. Branches will remain open, but there may be partial disruption in services due to union participation. If you are planning to go out on 12th February, then check the condition of the transport system of your city in advance. If possible, handle banking tasks online and check local updates before going to the market or government office.

Bharat Bandh: Tomorrow i.e. on July 9, Bharat Bandh has been announced. More than 25 crore employees are expected to be involved in this bandh called 10 Central Trade Unions from bank to many different sectors like insurance, post, highway and construction. This protest has been named ‘Bharat Bandh’. Its purpose is to challenge government policies. This bandh will include farmers as well as rural labor organizations. Unions say that the policies of the government benefit the corporate companies and they harm the workers.

Trade union to join India bandh

• National Trade Union Congress (INTUC)
• All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)
• Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS)
• Center of Indian trade unions (Citu)
• All india joint trade union center (aiutuc)
• Trade union coordination center (tUCC)
• Self-employed women’s association (sewa)
• All India Central Trade Union Council (AICCTU)
• Labor progressive federation (lpf)
• Joint Trade Union Congress (UTUC)

What will be closed tomorrow?

• This strike will affect banking and financial institutions.
• During this time there will be no work in government offices.
• Coal mining and factories will remain closed.
• Post office service will also be interrupted.
• It will also have an impact on the regional transport network.

Employees of government companies in NMDC and Steel and Minerals have also informed about joining the strike. Harbhajan Singh Sidhu of Hind Mazdoor Sabha says that the protest will “see strong participation of both public and private industries and services.

Will banks and stock markets be closed?

Banking unions have not confirmed the obstruction of separate service, but the organizers say that this will affect the functioning of the bank and its services. Since this is not a holiday declared by RBI, the bank is likely to be officially open, although services can be interrupted, so before going to the bank, call it in the branch and check it. On this day, there will be a normal trading in the stock market as well.

Also read:

Here the announcement of the new party, the shares of Tesla were shared; Musk suffered 1311675120000 damage in one strokeNo