Indian Pharmacist Association (IPA) has taken a strong objection towards Cabinet’s decision to introduce B.Sc. (Community Health) programme. IPA officials have given a presentation to Archna Mudgal, Secretary cum registrar, Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) in this regard.
“IPA wants complete ban on this course. Over the years pharmacists have created their image to the community as a health provider and successful medical practioner even in rural India. A large section of our society is still in need of treatments and health-related benefits. Instead of introducing a new course, the pharmacist’s knowledge should be upgraded to provide health facilities at the primary level,” says, Bhupendra Kumar, Secretary General, IPA.
In many parts of India there is a dearth of qualified pharmacists. In such a scenario, programmes like B.Sc (Community Health) can play a supportive role to the available pharmacists. While refusing this possibility, Kumar argues, “Course like this will only cause statutory problems because as per The Pharmacy Act and Drugs and Cosmetics Act only pharmacists can dispense medicine on the prescription of a medical practitioner and B.Sc. (Community Health) will not fall in the definition of a medical practitioner.”
Kumar supports his claim by saying that as per section 42 of The Pharmacy Act, “No person other than a registered pharmacist shall compound, prepare, mix, or dispense any medicine on the prescription of a medical practitioner and whoever contravenes this provision shall be punishable with imprisonment.”
IPA has put forth certain demands, like deciding minimum qualification for registration to B Pharma, creation of directorate of pharmacy, loan on subsidised rates for opening chemist shop, preparation of central register and imparting continuing pharmacy education.
EP News Bureau – Mumbai