Medical stores closed in Punjab and Chandigarh, patients struggling to obtain medicines

May 20, 2026

Chandigarh: Around 25,000 medical stores remained closed in Punjab and Chandigarh today due to a 24-hour strike by medical store operators. This caused significant difficulties for patients and their families in obtaining medicines.

Family from Kashmir unable to obtain medicines at PGI

A family from Kashmir seeking treatment at Chandigarh’s PGI was unable to obtain medicines. The family waited for a long time outside the medical store. Meanwhile, people in Amritsar and Ludhiana were also distressed due to the closure of medical stores.

Government Jan Aushadhi Kendras open in some places

Private medical stores remained closed in Pathankot, but the Prime Minister Jan Aushadhi Kendra at the Civil Hospital and the government dispensary remained open, providing some relief to the public. In Jalandhar, wholesale shops remained open, while retail medical stores remained closed.

Protest against online pharmaceutical companies

The Punjab Chemists Association says that online pharmaceutical companies are violating regulations by delivering medicines to homes without a doctor’s prescription. The association alleges that this is increasing the risk of drug abuse. They have demanded that the government enforce strict regulations on online companies.