| Southstar Drug | |
| Type: | Private |
| Foundation: | in Naga, Camarines Sur |
| Founder: | Tomas Dy-Makao |
| Hq Location: | Pasig, Metro Manila |
| Num Locations: | 650 drugstores |
| Num Locations Year: | 2023 |
| Area Served: | Philippines |
| Industry: | Retail |
| Products: | Drug and other pharmaceutical products. |
| Parent: | Robinsons Retail |
Southstar Drug is a chain of drugstores in the Philippines.[1] It was established in 1937 as a small business venture engaged in the retail of Chinese herbal medicines, located in Naga, Camarines Sur, and is the oldest operating drugstore in the Philippines.[2] Southstar Drug was formerly known as Southern Drug (1937–1950) and New South Star Drug (1950–1990s). It faced competition from Watsons (which entered the Philippine market in 2002) and Mercury Drug.
Presently, Southstar Drug (also known as SSD) belongs to the top 1,000 corporations of the Philippines. It has spread out to more than 500 branches nationwide. Since 2012, Southstar Drug is owned by Robinsons Retail (the Philippines' second largest retail chain).[3]
From its origins in Southern Luzon, Southstar Drug has expanded its business by first putting up more stores in Southern Luzon, then in Northern Luzon (following the acquisition of Manson Drug chain in 2011) and the islands of Mindoro, Masbate, and Virac. Southstar recently expanded in the Visayas region in 2010 (through its region's first branch in Samar). Southstar sells fresh medicines and goods in remote communities.
Another well-known pharmacy chain in the Philippines is Rose Pharmacy which, in 2020, also partnered with Robinsons Retail.