The absence of qualified pharmacists at the retail counters continues to be a major issue in big cities including Mumbai as wages offered to them by the retail trade are very low. Most pharmacists currently employed by the chemists feel that they are paid far less than they deserve. The state drug authorities have to act against drug trade for not having pharmacists at the counter as per the provisions of Drugs &Cosmetics Act, according to A.T. Vhatkar, joint commissioner, Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA).

Speaking to Pharmabiz on disagreement between the traders and drug authorities on the recent guidelines issued by FDA commissioner, Vhatkar said, "In 90% of cases the reason for suspension of licenses is the absence of pharmacist at retail counters. There is no shortage of pharmacists in this country. About 7000 pharmacists are registered every year with the Pharmacy Council of India. The problem is hectic working hours and meagre salary paid to them. They are made to work for about 12-14 hours on a salary of less than Rs1000- 1,500. One cannot expect people to work for such long hours at this salary. Due to this, majority of pharmacists thus report once in week or in 15 days. They work somewhere else and a few visits to chemist shop become an extra source of income for them. Therefore very few chemist shops have a regular pharmacist at the counter".

"Why trade bodies like Maharashtra State Chemist and Druggist Association (MSCDA), All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) etc., do not fight for the rights of pharmacists? They are at a fore front in declaring strike against the authorities when it comes to matters related to traders. But, when it comes to pharmacists, neither the government nor these organisations bother to take action. Many problems would be solved if pharmacists are paid decent salaries," he elaborated.

There is a general lack of awareness about the side effects of drugs throughout the country. Storage of drugs, which play a main role in preserving the potency of drugs, is in pathetic state. A community pharmacist can play an important role. Problems of self-medication and drug abuse can be overcome by having a community pharmacist. Irrational and unnecessary prescription is common and antibiotic resistance is widespread. Drugs are stored in unhygienic conditions in several shops and this is one main reason for suspension of drug licences. The situation calls for dedicated pharmacists in the country, feels Vhatkar.

Commenting on the issue, Anil Navander, secretary, MSCDA, said, "Recently, in a meeting with the ministers the FDA Commissioner suggested that pharmacists should be paid a fair salary of Rs.4500- 5000. We are ready to pay the suggested salary to the pharmacists. In the meeting itself, I requested the commissioner to advertise in the media for the same. Our organisation was ready to pay the cost of advertising. If appointing a pharmacist can solve all the problems and if FDA feels that qualified pharmacists are readily available then bring them to us, we are ready to employ them, provided, FDA takes care of their insurance. If this matter would have been resolved so easily, why will the owner not appoint a pharmacist and pay him Rs 5000 instead of paying a huge penalty for violation? Till date, there is no response from the commissioner to my request."