Udyog Development Foundation (UDF) an autonomous and not-for-profit organization is looking forward to improve the future prospects of a qualified pharmacist in India. The Foundation feels the government should think of creating  Indian Pharmaceutical Service(IPharmSer) for aspiring pharmacists on similar lines of Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service. Candidates   passing the exam can be absorbed in pharmaceuticals and drug regulatory departments.

The Foundation has made several representations to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to take cognizance of the role and importance of a pharmacist,  but was ignored. “Therefore we have now decided to start a movement, ‘Delhi Chalo Pharmacists’ on July 29, 2012 which is being held in the midst of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament, Amitav Joyprakash Choudhury, general secretary, UDF told Pharmabiz in a telecon.

“We hope the government will pay heed to the call and make efforts to transform the job scene for pharmacists, revise Drug & Cosmetic Act- Rule -64, 71 & 76 among others. We need to have a separate selection process of the pharmacists.  The creation of ‘IPharmSer’ post will provide a social status for pharmacists. It has called for the formation of Ministry of Pharmaceuticals where all regulatory activities of the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), NPPA, NIPER, and the public sector units of IDPL, HAL, RDPL, KAPL, BCPL come under its purview,” he said.

Further, the Foundation has also called for changes in the Pharmacy Act and revision of syllabus at all levels covering D. Pharm, B. Pharm, M. Pharm and  Pharm D which needs to be controlled by the PCI.

Going by the fact that over 60,000 pharmacy graduates are passing out of the 1,000 pharmacy colleges in the country, the Union government will have to look at appointing pharmacists for the National Rural Health Mission(NRHM) where a dedicated cadre is created to employ these candidates at the Primary Health Centre & Community Health Centres because it is difficult to get jobs at the state and central drugs departments and therefore new avenues need to be created, stated the  Foundation.

Under the D&C Act Rule 64, registered pharmacists need to be employed at the wholesale outlets Similarly in Rule—65, retail drug licences should be issued  only if proprietors or partner or director are registered pharmacists. This could  open up jobs for 6 lakh pharmacists in India.

Further, the Foundation has also felt the need to change in Drug & Cosmetic Act-Rule -71 & 76 calling for the renewal of manufacturing license where the  minimum educational qualification must be D Pharm. It has also called for transparency in pay scales.