The comprehensive revamp of Pharmacy Act 1948 as planned by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), will turn community pharmacist more responsible and accountable. The PCI proposal is to see that the pharmacist was answerable for any wrong dispensation of drugs. The council will also ensure that the practicing pharmacist is updating himself with latest knowledge by making participation in continuing education programmes mandatory for renewal of registration.

According to the clauses being incorporated in the draft Pharmacy Act, every pharmacist will have to undergo at least two continuing education programmes every five years for qualifying himself to continue his practice. Apart from PCI sponsored-programmes, all pharmacy education institutions in the country will be asked to conduct continuing education programmes for the benefit of local practicing pharmacist.

Speaking to pharmabiz.com, Dr B Suresh, president, PCI, said that the draft amendment was almost ready. We are planning to publicise the amendments made in a meeting planned in Mumbai in February 2005. The idea would be to invite the comments from all stakeholders before it can be presented before the Parliament in April-May, he added.

The most salient feature of the Act would be a change of the definition of the term "Pharmacist" to make him a professional who can charge for his services. As the status of pharmacist gets elevated, his responsibilities will also be higher. He will have to update his knowledge, improve his skills and be responsible for any mistakes, he might commit, Dr Suresh said.

"We are planning to introduce a two-year condensed programme for practicing pharmacists to upgrade their qualifications (D pharm to B pharm). Similar programmes will be developed for degree holders also. The council would approach the Health and HRD ministries for making available adequate resources for the purpose. We will define pharmacy as a practicing profession and the pharmacists will soon be in a position to charges fees for services," he said.

Dr Suresh explained that the amendments would be really exhaustive and would take care of the evolving nature of pharmacy profession. "Powers will be in built in the amendments, so that all further changes can be done from within, without changing the Act," he hoped. The PCI president wanted the entire profession to stand by him in his attempt to revamp the archaic Act.