Pharmacies across Tripura joined a nationwide strike against online medicine sales, deep discount practices, and counterfeit drugs, as chemists demanded stricter regulations to protect small traders and ensure patient safety amid growing concerns over e-pharmacy operations.
Pharmacies across the northeastern state of Tripura remained shut on Wednesday as chemists and druggists joined a nationwide strike to protest against the rapid rise of online pharmacies, aggressive discount schemes, and the circulation of counterfeit medicines in the market.
The strike was organised under the banner of the All India Chemists and Druggists Association, which called for coordinated demonstrations across the country. In the state capital Agartala, members of the association staged protests near IGM Hospital and submitted a memorandum of demands to the District Magistrate.
Similar protests were witnessed in the subdivision town of Teliamura, where most pharmacies suspended operations for the day in support of the agitation. Despite the shutdown, emergency healthcare access was maintained as two pharmacies near the Teliamura hospital area and in Kalyanpur remained operational to provide medicines for urgent medical needs.
Leaders of the chemists’ association argued that the unchecked expansion of online medicine platforms is creating severe pressure on small and medium-scale pharmacy businesses. According to them, deep discount offers provided by corporate-backed online sellers are disrupting fair market competition and affecting the livelihoods of local traders.
The protesting chemists also expressed concern over the alleged increase in fake and unregulated medicines entering the supply chain through illegal channels. They demanded immediate intervention from the government to halt unauthorised e-pharmacy operations, introduce stricter monitoring mechanisms, and take legal action against those involved in the illegal drug trade.
Speaking during the protest, Teliamura committee secretary Rangal Deb said the strike had received widespread support from local traders and described the shutdown as “completely successful.” He claimed that traditional pharmacy owners are suffering mounting financial losses as more consumers shift toward online purchases attracted by discounted prices.
The closure of most pharmacies caused temporary inconvenience for patients and residents in several parts of the state. However, pharmacies attached to hospitals and healthcare facilities continued functioning to ensure that emergency medical services were not disrupted.
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The nationwide agitation has once again highlighted the growing tension between conventional pharmacy businesses and digital medicine platforms, with traders demanding stronger regulations to safeguard both patient safety and the future of local pharmaceutical retailers.
