Pharmacists in Karnataka see the need for the Union government to tweak Rule 65(15)(b) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945 only to substitute the designation of chemists and druggists with ‘pharmacist’ and the drug dispensing outlets as pharmacy.  The key reason stated by them is that change in nomenclature of both designation and business establishment would be an image booster to the profession of pharmacy.

The chemists and druggists are engaged in the service of community and this effort needs to be recognizable. In fact, the name ‘druggists’ gives a different connotation and seen to be equated to the status of drug peddlers which is a sorry state of affairs, DA Gundu Rao, president, Karnataka Pharmacy Council told Pharmabiz.

The State Pharmacy Council which is engaged in the career enhancement of pharmacists, mandate online registration and renewal of licenses, besides update knowledge through the  continuing education programmes cannot lobby with the government. Instead the Council could only support the need for change in professional description, he added.

Indian pharmacists are an educated pool of experts engaged not just in dispensing drugs but advising patients on drug dosing and adverse drug reactions apart from directing them to seek immediate medical attention during an emergency. Global pharmacist bodies have assessed the capability of our personnel and also see the need for change in designation of and ensure that they are addressed as pharmacists, said Rao.

A section of D Pharm candidates too have aired similar views stated that when paramedic and nursing professionals are acknowledged for their service to the patient community, the pharmacist too are part of the fulcrum because they are accessed for their capability on medicine information and dispensation which is indispensable in disease therapy outcomes. Therefore, a name change of their profession is much wanted.

“The title ‘chemists and druggists’ was coined in 1945 and was not suitable in the present context. Hence change in designation and rename of drug stores to pharmacy were necessary. Unfortunately Rule 65(15)(e) restricts chemists and druggist stores as outlets engaged in compounding medicines which now cease to exist. Hence the government should amend the Rule 65(15)(b) and (e). The retail licenses should indicate ‘license to sell, stock or exhibit or offer for sale, or distribute drugs by retail outlets’ other than those specified in Schedules C, C(1) and X, said Ashokswamy Heroor, president: Karnataka State Registered Pharmacist’s Association(KSRPA).