Biometric cards for Pharmacists for efficient drug dispensing

This groundbreaking idea aims to address the shortage of pharmacists in drug dispensing outlets and enhance the expertise available to patients.

Dr. Bharatesh R Jagashetty

November 26, 2023

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Medical Store Pharmacy Medicine Pharmacist — Picture: Unsplash

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Dr. Bharatesh R Jagashetty

Former National Adviser (Drugs Control) to MoHFW, GOI & CDSCO |
Former State Drugs Controller, FDA Karnataka |
Presently working as Legal Consultant for Pharma field |
Email ID: jagashetty@gmail.com

Latest posts by Dr. Bharatesh R Jagashetty (see all)

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Biometric cards for Pharmacists for efficient drug dispensing - November 26, 2023
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Last Updated on March 17, 2024 by The Health Master

Biometric cards for Pharmacists

In a move that could revolutionize drug dispensing across India’s vast network of 800,000 pharmacy outlets, Dr. BR Jagashetty, former National Adviser (Drugs Control) to the Union health ministry, and former Karnataka State Drugs Controller, proposes the introduction of biometric cards for registered pharmacists.

This groundbreaking idea aims to address the shortage of pharmacists in drug dispensing outlets and enhance the expertise available to patients.

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The Urgency for Transformation

The scarcity of pharmacists in drug dispensing outlets has created a pressing need for transformation.

Dr. Jagashetty highlights the importance of expanding the working exposure of qualified registered pharmacists, who are already employed in the pharmaceutical industry, pharmacy colleges, clinical trial centers, and healthcare facilities.

A Global Glimpse

Drawing inspiration from the western world, where pharmacists engage in part-time service using their pharmacy cards, Dr. Jagashetty advocates for a similar approach in India.

This practice would involve qualified pharmacists offering their expertise on a voluntary basis during weekends or out-of-office hours.

Proposal for Biometric Pharma Cards for Pharmacists

To ensure a transparent and streamlined process for this part-time voluntary service, Dr. Jagashetty suggests the introduction of biometric pharma cards.

These cards, similar to employee cards, would be embedded with a chip and issued to pharmacy graduates, postgraduates, PhD holders, and Pharm-D candidates.

Streamlining the Process

The central government, through the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), would play a pivotal role in devising the methodology for issuing biometric cards.

The objective is to enable qualified pharmacists, excluding those working in government roles like Drugs Inspectors or Government Analysts, to work in pharmacy outlets on an hourly basis during their free time.

Anticipated Impact

Dr. Jagashetty believes that implementing biometric cards will be a game-changer for pharmacy operations and the overall profession.

In the context of Digital India, this step is crucial for modernizing and efficiently implementing drug dispensing models across the country.

Legal Framework Flexibility

Addressing concerns related to the Drugs and Cosmetic Act or Rules, Dr. Jagashetty clarifies that it does not restrict a pharmacist to a particular outlet.

This flexibility allows registered pharmacists to work anywhere during their free time, ensuring the supervision of the sale of specific medicines.

Empowering the Pharmacy Profession

Qualified registered pharmacists employed in the industry or academia could significantly contribute to the profession by working in pharmacy outlets during their free time.

This approach enhances the profession’s reach and impact on the healthcare landscape.

Conclusion

Dr. BR Jagashetty’s proposal for biometric pharma cards is a progressive step towards transforming India’s drug dispensing landscape.

By leveraging the expertise of qualified pharmacists on a voluntary basis, the country can address the current shortage and provide better services to an informed patient base.

FAQs

Are biometric pharma cards mandatory for all registered pharmacists?
- No, these cards are proposed for qualified pharmacists willing to contribute voluntarily during their free time.
How will the central government ensure the transparency of the process?
- The central government, through the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), will devise a method for issuing biometric cards, ensuring a transparent process.
Can pharmacists working in government roles participate in this voluntary service?
- Pharmacists in government roles like Drugs Inspectors or Government Analysts are excluded from this proposal.
Will implementing biometric cards affect the legal framework for pharmacists?
- No, the proposal aligns with existing regulations, providing flexibility for registered pharmacists to work in various outlets.
How does this initiative contribute to the modernization of drug dispensing in India?
- Biometric pharma cards are considered the first step in modernizing drug dispensing, aligning with the Digital India initiative to empower the knowledge economy.

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