Shillong, November 13: The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), in collaboration with the Meghalaya Pharmacy Council, organised a state-level mega event at the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM), Ri-Bhoi district, on November 11 to mark World Pharmacist Day and National Pharmacy Week 2026.

The event was held under the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Future”, with a special focus on combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The programme aimed to raise awareness about the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance and highlight the important role of pharmacists, healthcare professionals, educational institutions and the public in promoting the responsible use of antimicrobial medicines.

The inaugural session was attended by USTM Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Gauri Dutt Sharma, Deputy Director of Health Services (Administration), Meghalaya, Dr. R. Pohsnem, and Pharmacy Council of India President Dr. Montu Kumar Patel, who attended as the chief guest.

Dr. Damiki Laloo, Principal of Girijananda Chowdhury University, delivered an address on the theme of the event.

The programme also featured several competitions, including a Sci-toon competition, quiz and poster presentation, followed by a panel discussion involving representatives from the pharmacy and healthcare sectors.

The panel included Meghalaya Pharmacy Council President Devistone Swer, Senior Drug Inspector John Warjri, USTM Dean Dr. L. K. Nath and Dr. Damiki Laloo, Principal of GIPS Guwahati.

The event provided a platform for sharing knowledge, professional interaction and collective efforts to address antimicrobial resistance, which remains a major public health challenge worldwide.

Through the initiative, the Pharmacy Council of India and Meghalaya Pharmacy Council reiterated their commitment to strengthening professional knowledge, promoting responsible medicine use and protecting public health.