The central government has chosen M Venkata Reddy, director of DCA, AP as a member of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). Dr B Suresh, principal of JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty has been chosen as the president of the council. He was a member of the council earlier, Reddy told Pharmabiz.com.

Two others chosen as members include Dr RS Thakur, professor, Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, Bangalore and PJ Wanjari of Nagpur.

Under the section 3B of Pharmacy Act 1948, the central government nominates members to the Pharmacy Council, who will have a tenure of five years. PCI is responsible for granting recognition to pharmacy colleges, framing syllabus and maintaining standards in pharmacy education.

The central government nominates six members, state government nominates one member, state pharmacy council nominates one member, Medical Council of India nominates one member, UGC nominates one member and six members are elected among the teaching staff of universities and pharmacy colleges, Reddy revealed.

Meanwhile, AP DCA has decided to organize 16th workshop at Cuddapah on March 7, 2004. The department expects about 800 chemists and druggists to participate in the event (wearing white aprons). A rally will also be conducted to create awareness on AIDS. The workshop will also include an AIDS awareness campaign. Ananthasayanam Reddy, director general, Drugs & Copyright and Venkata Reddy are to preside over the function.