Concerned over the demand set by the chemists associations over the amendment of Rule 65(15)(c) of Drugs & Cosmetics (D&C) Rules, Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has taken up the matter with the health ministry for their urgent perusal. The Council strongly feels that such a demand is not only based on unrealistic theory but will also put the life and security of the patients at risk.

The decision to raise this matter with the highest authority was taken during the Councils executive committee meeting that was concluded on May 17 in Delhi. The committee consisting of eight members unanimously expressed strong disapproval over the trade associations demand and agreed upon pushing for a strong representation opposing this demand.

PCI has requested the health ministry to review and examine this matter judicially after thorough investigation to ensure and safeguard the interest of the public at large apart from protecting the interest of the pharmacy profession  as well.

According to Dr H G Koshia, vice president of the Gujarat State Pharmacy Council, “As a body representing the pharmacy profession of this country, we strongly object to the trade associations demand as they are outrageous, and shocking built-up on false assumptions to jeopardise the reputation of this profession. Most importantly, this demand goes against the ingrained pharmacy principle that puts major thrust on protecting and safeguarding the  health care needs of the common man through judicious handling and  dispensing of medicines which can be done only through a well trained and experienced pharmacists.”

Dr Koshia stressed that it is ironic on how the associations have highlighted lack of manpower as a major reason for their demand, when in reality one of the biggest issues affecting the profession at large, is lack of job availability. He pointed out that, in most of the states there are surplus number of pharmacists registered under the state PCI exclusively for working in chemist shops but with hardly any lucrative job offerings.

Dr Koshia stated that it is highly amusing how the trade associations are trying to pass the buck on the pharmacists when they themselves are not ready to open up the job offers at the chemist shops with more lucrative offers to attract or retain the work force.

It is understood that the Council is working very hard towards settling this matter at the earliest and have urged the Centre to consider this issue on an urgent basis to remove the uncertainty and confusion prevailing over this.