Tripura Chemists to Join Nationwide May 20 Strike Against Online Medicine Sales
New Delhi: Pharmacists and chemists across Tripura will participate in the nationwide strike on May 20 called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) against online sale of medicines, alleged unfair trade practices and the growing impact of e-pharmacies on small retailers.
Pharmacy associations in the state have announced their support for the bandh, stating that medical stores across Tripura are expected to remain shut as part of the nationwide agitation. Trade bodies stated that the protest is aimed at drawing the Centre’s attention to long-pending concerns related to online medicine sales and unequal market conditions faced by offline chemists.
Chemist associations alleged that online pharmacy platforms are offering deep discounts and operating with advantages that are affecting the survival of traditional medicine retailers. They claimed that several small and independent pharmacies are facing financial pressure due to the rapid expansion of e-pharmacy businesses.
The associations also raised concerns over the alleged sale of medicines without proper prescription verification through online channels. According to pharmacists, unrestricted access to certain medicines could increase the risk of misuse of controlled and habit-forming drugs.
Trade representatives further alleged that pharmaceutical companies are extending preferential trade margins and incentives to large online sellers and bulk distributors, creating imbalance within the retail pharmaceutical sector. They demanded stricter regulation of online pharmacies and stronger monitoring of medicine sales.
The pharmacist bodies additionally highlighted concerns regarding counterfeit medicines and illegal pharmaceutical trade practices. They said the strike is intended to safeguard patient safety as well as protect the interests of small chemists and drug retailers.
According to a recent media report in The Hindu, pharmacist associations in Tripura have confirmed participation in the nationwide strike called by trader bodies against online medicine sales and related issues.
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