The pharmacist plays a vital role and acts as a key chain between a physician and the patient. According to Drugs and Cosmetic Act and Pharmacy act, a pharmacist is must- anywhere and everywhere the medicine is there. Pharmacists are the only authorized professionals who can handle medicines at all levels. After a doctor, the pharmacists are the only professionals in the health sector and without a pharmacist the total health sector will collapse. In the pharmaceutical industry which is one of the key players in the economy of India, the talent, dedication and effort of a pharmacist cannot be ever substituted. Even at the retail counter of a chemist shop in any part of India, where a pharmacist is present, there is a sense of confidence and satisfaction among the patient who receive medicines on prescription by a registered medical practitioner.
The allopathic system of medicine has its origin in the western nations and was introduced in our country during the British reign in India. Though the concept and philosophy of modern medicine has changed with times,the role played by the pharmacist in India remained stagnant. Although the pharmacist has a very vast role in the health sector, in India it has been curtailed to dispensing of medicines.
There has been a vacuum in the regular appointment of pharmacist in almost all the states in India. There are several states were the last recruitment for the vacant posts of pharmacist were held decades ago. With time the necessity for the creation of the new post of a pharmacist is abundant but no govt has ever taken a serious note of this. The requirement of pharmacist in health care sector was tried to be adjusted by contractual appointment ever since the NRHM came into existence. This in large has created insecurity for job and future for a large number of pharmacists who are either unemployed or working under NRHM.
It is mandatory for the retail pharmacy shops which is commonly known as chemist shop to have a pharmacist as qualified person to dispense the medicine. There has been a demand to liberate the existing drugs & cosmetic law and make it non-mandatory for the owner of the chemist shop to engage pharmacist by some business associations who have little or no concern about the health hazards due to wrong medication.
IPA has strongly opposed such requests by these organizations. Ironically there are a lot more chemists shops than qualified registered pharmacists in India. In-fact, no one has the correct figure of either the registered pharmacist, or the registered pharmacy retail shops / chemists shop in India. The Indian Pharmacist Association (IPA) has demanded that there should be strict vigil and stringent action on any violation of D & C act and enforcement department must be created and strengthened in every state in India. Even a digital centralized register of pharmacist must also be maintained for the purpose.
Non-availability of sufficient MBBS doctors is becoming a major hindrance in the implementation of various health schemes and programmes in India. This gap has eventually given ample opportunities to quacks to flourish especially in rural areas. On the other hand this has compelled the govt. to look for non – MBBS based cadres who can fill this gap especially in the rural areas. The central government in the year 2009-10 had proposed to start the B.Sc community health programme which was opposed by all sections of professionals, especially doctors and pharmacists.
In the developed countries like the US, UK, Canada etc, the service and calibre of a pharmacist is utilized as “Prescribing Pharmacist” wherein the pharmacist are authorized to prescribe medicine. This delegation of right to prescribe medicine has played a major role in uplifting the overall health status in these countries. Some states in India like Punjab, UP, Uttaranchal, Himachal Pradesh etc. have already empowered the pharmacist to prescribe medicines to patients but pharmacists are still waiting due recognition and appreciation. Better working conditions along with promotional avenues for the hospital pharmacists are the need of the hour. IPA has time and again written to the central govt. to consider the pharmacist for such a role if the government entrusts non-doctor based cadre to prescribe medicines in India.
The pharmacists who had expected much from recommendations of the 7th CPC were disappointed as there was nothing concrete in the recommendations. The IPA has written to the finance minister of India in this regard. An individual mail has been sent to almost all the Members of Parliament to look into the grievances of the pharmacists.
Violation of Drugs & Cosmetic acts & rules has become daily news. Though there is a mushrooming of pharma companies whether it is branded or generic , very few have their own R&D division and quality control department. This has provided ample opportunities for those who are in the pharma business for making a fast buck. The IPA has therefore requested the central govt to strengthen and formation of the new drugs control department and drug testing laboratories wherever necessary at central / state levels. By this, the govt on the one hand will be able to effectively control and monitor the manufacturing quality of drugs, its marketing and sale and on the other hand will be able to provide job opportunities for a lot of unemployed pharmacists.
At present the students who are pursuing pharmacy courses whether it is D.Pharm, B.Pharm, M.Pharm or Pharm.D are unsure of their future prospects. The PCI should come forward to lead the way for these upcoming pharmacists by clearing the roadblocks on their career front. If not, then govt. should sincerely think about the revamping of Pharmacy council of India because till date the PCI has utterly failed to deliver on all the major issues related to career and the future of the pharmacist in India.
Ever since its inception in the year 2011, the IPA is working for the betterment of the pharmacist and pharmacy profession in India. Within a short span of four years , IPA has emerged as the largest association of pharmacists in India. There are several issues related to pharmacist working in the government and private sectors which need serious attention. IPA is providing an ideal platform for all those pharmacists whose concerns were either ignored or not yet addressed. In the coming years IPA will continue to fulfil the expectations and demands of pharmacists at all levels. Here I would like to assure all the fellow pharmacists that IPA is always ready to take up any cause which will directly or indirectly benefit pharmacists in India. I appeal to all my pharmacist friends, to come and join IPA, to make it more stronger, powerful and the largest association of pharmacists in India.
(The author is National President, Indian Phamacist Association)