The druggists across the state joined the country wide strike called by the All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists. All the medicine shops remained closed. However, the shops at the premises of the government hospitals will remain opened for the patients or the customers for their urgent need.

The protest call given by All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists was supported by the Utkal Druggist and Chemist Association. The association decided to join the stir to protest against the new drug policy of the Centre, which reduced their trade margin on medicines.

The protesters across the state staged dharna at every district administration office. In Bhubaneswar, the druggists and chemists demonstrated in front of Raj Bhavan to support the nation-wide strike today.

The medicine traders in the country have been demanding the abolition of Drugs Act-2008 (Amendment), amendment in the new drug policy-2013 and elimination of FDI in retail pharmacy.