Jaipur:A major crisis is brewing in Rajasthan's healthcare supply chain, with chemists and pharmacists across the state warning of an indefinite strike over unpaid government dues of nearly Rs 880 crore. The mounting backlog has left thousands of medical shops and suppliers struggling to stay afloat, sparking concerns of medicine shortages if the issue remains unresolved. Chemists allege that payments for medicines supplied to government hospitals, primary health centres, and other facilities have been delayed for months. Many small-scale shop owners say they are under severe financial strain, with distributors unwilling to provide fresh stock while earlier bills remain pending. The situation, they warn, could soon bring routine supplies of essential drugs to a grinding halt. Representatives of chemist associations have demanded immediate intervention from the state government and a fixed timeline for clearance of outstanding bills. They argue that while promises have been made on multiple occasions, concrete action is missing, leaving over 10,000 pharmacies affected. For many, cash flow has dried up to the extent that staff salaries and basic operations have become difficult to sustain. Also Read:Chemist Body Seeks Transition Period, GST Input Adjustment After Tax Cut, Writes to CM The associations are now preparing to escalate their agitation and have indicated that if dues are not cleared promptly, supply to government institutions will be stopped. This would directly hit patient care in public health facilities, especially those in rural areas heavily dependent on state-run medical services. According to PTI, the chemists’ bodies have already sent repeated representations to the health department, but with no satisfactory response so far. The looming strike, if carried out, could have a ripple effect on healthcare delivery across Rajasthan. Also Read:Puducherry launches raids against private chemists flouting norms on anti-TB drugs sale