AGARTALA, Oct 14 (TIWN): Pharmacies across the state on Wednesday observed day long strike to protest against a burgeoning online pharmacy industry that is attracting big money backers.

In view of its harmful effects on public health and probable flourish of illicit activities, the Tripura Chemists and Druggists Association have opposed the concept of e-pharmacy. All India Organisations of Chemists and Druggist (AIOCD) on Wednesday called for one-day nationwide strike.

Along with the nation, all the small chemist shops in Tripura were shut for prolonged 24hours to protest against a burgeoning online pharmacy industry that is attracting big money backers.

It is to be mentioned that the e-pharmacies challenges their business. Besides, it would allow medicines that are not allowed to sell in the market without verification.

With the online facility a person can use the single prescription for several times which is not allowed and prohibited. A prescription issued by a doctor cannot be re-used randomly. There is a danger that scheduled drugs can be re-ordered and misused by the consumer.

The association also claimed that the online service of medicine has been hampering the small and medium chemist shop and which may lead to shut down of their shops. Therefore, 8 lakh chemist, 40 lakh workers and implicitly 1.50 crore people will have to face uncertainty.

However, for the service of the public only one or two shops will remain open near the hospitals. 

The association also claimed that the Central government may be trying to work out a system for selling medication online, but chemists and druggists in the State have vehemently opposed the concept saying it would hit their businesses and create an avenue for illicit trade.