A large number of fresh pharmacy graduates who come to register themselves at the Pharmacy Council of Andhra Pradesh are falling prey to middle men and brokers by ending up paying them from Rs.100 to 500 for their services.

As, many fresh pharmacy graduates and pharmacists are pouring in at the APPCI every day for registrations and renewals, the middlemen are looting them as they are unaware about the rules and procedures regarding registrations. The middle men are targeting innocent students and extracting money from them for their help.

While interacting with a group of pharmacy graduates who came to the APPCI for registration, it is revealed that many of them are unaware of the rules and procedures of registrations. Even though they were taught about the pharmacy council and the Pharmacy Act in their colleges as a part of their course, they were never told about the simple procedures or steps that are required for getting themselves registered at the PCI. In some cases, the middle men are also conniving with the officials for their commission.

“Since I have taken charge as an In charge registrar, I have taken many measures to ensure speedy registration process. To contain the menace of brokers and middlemen, we have installed security men at the gate to stop goons and brokers entering the office the premises. Freshers should not fall prey to the brokers, they should follow the instructions which have been put in the notice board or they can contact us directly to clarify any doubts,” said K V S N Gupta, incharge registrar, APPCI.

Gupta said, clear instructions have also been sent to all the managements of pharmacy colleges regarding the procedures and rules of registration. It is the responsibility of the colleges to teach the students about the registration process and its importance.

The pharmacy graduates are advised not to approach any middle men or brokers for help. They should follow the instructions on the notice board and accordingly follow the registration process. If in case anyone has more doubts regarding registration and renewals they can directly approach the registrar for the clarifications.