Stage is set for the election of six members to the Kerala State Pharmacy Council. The election is conducted after a period of 10 years.

The council has published the final electoral roll of registered pharmacists eligible to vote. As per the roll, the number of pharmacists eligible to vote is 24640.The election is conducted as per section 19 (a) of the Pharmacy Act.

The government of Kerala framed Kerala Pharmacy Rules 2012 in August last year and based on that Rule the electoral roll was prepared, said B Rajan, president of the Council. The Rule mandates that only registered pharmacists can contest the election.

He said the former government had framed Rule 2011 which permitted non-pharmacists to become members of the council through nomination/ election. The Rule was against the principles of Pharmacy Act. Following representation from the council, the present government has nullified Rule 2011 and framed Rule 2012 in place which mandates that only registered and duly renewed pharmacists are eligible to contest the election to the Pharmacy Council and have voting powers. If the government wants one member to be nominated into the Council, he/ she should also be a registered pharmacist as per the new Rule.

The council president said out of the 48000 registered pharmacists, 24640 pharmacists have renewed their registration and they have the voting powers. The Indian Pharmacy Act, 1948 also says that only registered pharmacists are eligible to vote.

The process of sending the ballot papers will commence on June 3 and two months time will be required to complete it. Date for counting of votes is slated for July 23. Nomination papers can be submitted until May 2 and the scrutiny will be held on the next day. The existing elected members whose tenure is already over will continue till the new members assume charge.

In December, last year the Kerala government had nominated five members to the Pharmacy Council following completion of term of the former team of five. The president of the council is also a nominated member.

The president of the All Kerala Retail Chemists Association said the organisation intends to contest the election by presenting a panel of six members.