Following the controversy over inspections at the retail medical shops by pharmacy inspectors in Kerala, the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has urged Kerala government lo look into the matter and ensure favorable situation for the State Pharmacy Council to perform its duties entrusted to it by the Pharmacy Act 1948.

Dr. B Suresh, president of the PCI informed Pharmabiz that the agitation by the All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association (AKDCA) against the inspections of the pharmacy inspectors is quite disturbing and illegal. The traders should abstain from putting hindrance to the work of pharmacy inspectors who are doing legitimate duties. Dispensing of appropriate and genuine medicines by qualified and registered pharmacists is essential for the safety of patients and overall health of the people in the society. Pharmacy inspectors are appointed to ensure this safety through regulation of pharmacy practice, he said.

Referring to the inspections, the PCI president opined that the work done by the Kerala State Pharmacy Council in carrying out the inspection of pharmacies, medical stores, hospitals, clinics etc, and subsequent action for violation of the provisions of the Pharmacy Act, is appreciable and needs to be carried forward vigorously.

“KSPC appointed pharmacy inspectors in all the districts with the approval of the state government. These inspectors’ appointment is in addition to drug inspectors appointed under Drugs & Cosmetics Act to ensure good and sufficient supply of medicines to the people in the society,” he added.

According to PCI, it is the duty of the state government to look into and redress the grievances of the traders as regards licences and registrations. It cannot be justified that Pharmacy Act need not be implemented in right earnest since the traders have myriad problems. Also, their demand that the State Pharmacy Council should have discussed with them before implementing the provisions of the Pharmacy Act is uncalled for and unacceptable.

As per 26 A of the Pharmacy Act, a state council can, with the permission of the state government, appoint inspectors having the prescribed qualifications to inspect any premises where drugs are compounded or dispensed. The inspector can enquire whether a person who is engaged in compounding or dispensing of drugs is a registered pharmacist. He can investigate any complaint made in writing in respect of any contravention of this Act and report to the registrar. He can institute prosecution under the order of the Executive Committee of the State Council.

Quoting various provisions of the Pharmacy Act, Dr. Suresh said any person willfully obstructing an inspector in exercise of the powers conferred on him by or under this Act or any rules made thereunder, is punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with a fine not exceeding Rs. 1000, or with both. Every pharmacy inspector is deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).