PATNA: About 44000 medicine shops across Bihar downed their shutters to join the nation-wide strike of drug traders in protest against the central government decision to allow online sale of medicines and mandatory appointment of a pharmacist in drug store on Tuesday.

A rough estimate showed that business worth Rs 30 crore had been hampered due to the strike.

In the state capital about 1700 medicines shops remained closed throughout the day.

Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui