The Meghalaya Health Care Association (MHCA) on Wednesday joined the nationwide one-day bandh called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD).
As part of the bandh, all wholesale and retail pharmacies across the country remained closed, including around 2,600 medicine shops in Meghalaya.
The AIOCD, which represents over 12.40 lakh chemists and distributors across India, has raised concerns over the continued online sale of medicines without clear and enforceable regulations.
The MHCA alleged that while online sale of medicines was permitted during the COVID-19 pandemic under exceptional circumstances to ensure access to essential medicines, the practice has continued
Speaking to reporters, MHCA president David Kharsati said the association had already informed the authorities and the public regarding the 24-hour shutdown and made it clear that pharmaceutical shops would remain closed during the protest.