Health Ministry releases National Pharmacy Commission Bill to replace Pharmacy Council

Nov 15,2023

The Bill is expected to reinvigorate pharmacy education and raise its standard. Pharmacy education has remained stagnant for the last many years. The new commission will regulate and evaluate professionals in the field.

The bill aims to enhance pharmacy education by improving access to affordable, high-quality education, and ensuring the availability of pharmacy professionals nationwide. It seeks to promote equitable healthcare by making pharmacy services accessible to all citizens.

The bill encourages professionals to integrate the latest research into their work, contribute to research, and uphold high ethical standards. It proposes regular, transparent assessments of pharmacy institutions, the maintenance of a national pharmacy register, and flexibility to adapt to evolving needs. Additionally, the bill establishes an effective grievance redressal mechanism for relevant matters.

The bill proposes to constitute a commission with its head office in New Delhi. The existing Pharmacy Council of India under the Pharmacy Act, of 1948 will be dissolved. This is expected to reinvigorate pharmacy education, which has remained stagnant, and raise its standard.

The National Pharmacy Commission shall consist of a Chairperson, 13 ex-officio members and 14 part-time members. The Central Government shall constitute three boards namely the Pharmacy Education Board, the Pharmacy Assessment and Rating Board; and the Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board, which will function under the commission.

Source: Moneycontrol