One Nation-One Pharmacist Registration to Boost Recognition of Pharmacy Professionals

The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has already begun linking Aadhar cards to existing state-level pharmacist registration.

The Health Master

May 20, 2024

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Pharmacy Course College Student — Picture: Pixabay

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Last Updated on May 29, 2024 by The Health Master

Pharmacist Registration

The Indian pharmacy sector is pushing for a national-level pharmacist registration system, mirroring the success of the “One Nation, One Ration Card” program.

This proposed “One Nation-One Pharmacist Registration” initiative holds immense potential to benefit both pharmacists and the Indian healthcare ecosystem.

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Increased Mobility and Opportunity

Prof. R Raveendra, a prominent figure in the Indian pharmaceutical scene, compares the proposed system to the existing “One Nation, One Ration Card.”

Just as ration cards allow individuals to access essential supplies across states, a unified pharmacist registration would empower professionals to seamlessly practice anywhere in India.

This increased mobility would address the shortage of qualified pharmacists in certain regions and provide career growth opportunities for professionals.

Streamlined Pharmacist Registration

The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has already begun linking Aadhar cards to existing state-level pharmacist registration.

This paves the way for a national framework. Prof. Raveendra emphasizes the need for a standardized pharmacist registration process across all State Pharmacy Councils (SPCs).

Additionally, he advocates for lifetime pharmacist registration, simplifying the process for pharmacists throughout their careers.

Enhancing Pharmacist Welfare and Patient Safety

The Karnataka State Pharmacy Council’s unique pharmacist registration scheme, which incorporates social security and health insurance, exemplifies the potential benefits of a national system.

“One Nation-One Pharmacist Registration” could facilitate similar initiatives across India, improving pharmacist well-being and attracting more talent to the profession.

Furthermore, a national pharmacist registration system can strengthen pharmacy practice standards.

Prof. Raveendra suggests that SPCs appoint senior pharmacy faculty as inspectors to ensure pharmacies are staffed by registered professionals.

This can significantly improve patient safety by reducing the risk of errors associated with unqualified personnel dispensing medications.

Broadening the Scope of Pharmacy Practice

The proposed system goes beyond just mobility and recognition.

It can broaden the scope of pharmacy practice by allowing pharmacists to contribute their expertise in diverse settings.

Prof. Raveendra highlights the potential for pharmacists to function in:

Pharmacy outlets: Pharmacists can directly interact with patients, providing medication counseling and guidance on dosages and interactions. This can help curb the rampant issue of self-medication in India.
Hospitals: Pharmacy professionals can act as patient medication counselors within hospitals, ensuring proper medication adherence and reducing adverse drug reactions.
Academia: Pharmacists with diverse experiences can contribute significantly to pharmacy education, sharing practical knowledge with students on drug interactions and other critical topics.

Conclusion

The “One Nation-One Pharmacist Registration” system holds significant promise for the Indian healthcare sector.

By enhancing mobility, streamlining pharmacist registration, improving pharmacist welfare, and broadening practice opportunities, this initiative can empower pharmacists and ensure better patient care across the nation.

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