Last Updated on December 12, 2023 by The Health Master
National Pharmacy Commission Bill
In a significant move, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has unveiled the draft National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023, poised to replace the long-standing Pharmacy Act of 1948.
This legislative shift aims to overhaul the existing Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and usher in a new era of pharmacy education and professional standards.
Objectives of the Bill
Ensuring Access to Quality Education
The primary objective of the National Pharmacy Commission Bill is to establish a pharmacy education system that enhances access to quality and affordable pharmaceutical education.
The bill envisions the availability of proficient pharmacy professionals across the nation.
Transparent Assessment of Institutions
An integral aspect of the proposed bill is the introduction of a periodic and transparent assessment system for pharmacy institutions.
This aims to maintain and elevate standards, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services.
Formation of the National Pharmacy Commission
The draft bill outlines the formation of the National Pharmacy Commission, headquartered in New Delhi.
This commission will replace the existing Pharmacy Council of India, with procedures defined for selecting its chairperson, ex-officio members, and part-time members.
Coordinated Development of Pharmacy Education
Empowered by the draft bill, the National Pharmacy Commission is mandated to take steps ensuring the coordinated and integrated development of pharmacy education.
This involves periodic revisions and adherence to specified regulations.
Regulatory Functions of the Commission
The commission is bestowed with the authority to make regulations governing various aspects, including framing policies, setting standards for governance, and overseeing pharmacy education, institutions, researchers, professionals, and associates.
Uniform Mechanism for Admission
A significant proposal in the bill is the establishment of a uniform mechanism for admissions into pharmacy institutions.
The Central government will manage admissions at the national level, while state authorities will handle admissions at the state level.
Competence Evaluation for Professionals
The bill introduces a mechanism, possibly through final year undergraduate exams, to evaluate the competence of pharmacy professionals.
This evaluation is crucial for enrollment in the National Register or State Register, leading to the granting of a license to practice.
Collaboration and Innovation
To stay abreast of technological advancements, the bill emphasizes collaboration with industry and institutions.
It encourages the use of cutting-edge technology and hybrid education to drive innovation and research in the pharmacy field.
Three Boards Under the Central Government
The Central government is set to constitute following three boards:
- The Pharmacy Education Board,
- The Pharmacy Assessment and Rating Board, and
- The Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board.
Functions of the Pharmacy Education Board
The Pharmacy Education Board will play a pivotal role in determining requirements and standards for pharmacy education, preparing curriculum, prescribing qualifications, and regulating the standards and scope of practice of registered pharmacy professionals.
Role of the Pharmacy Assessment and Rating Board
This board will assess and rate pharmacy institutions, grant permissions for new institutions or courses, and conduct inspections.
It holds the power to issue warnings, impose penalties, and recommend withdrawal of recognition for institutions failing to meet essential standards.
Responsibilities of the Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board
The third board will maintain the National Register for registered professionals, regulate professional conduct, and promote pharmacy ethics.
It will also facilitate continuous interaction with State Chapters to regulate the conduct of pharmacy professionals effectively.
Stringent Approval Process
The bill mandates that no new pharmacy institution or course can be established without obtaining prior permission from the Pharmacy Assessment and Rating Board.
This ensures a stringent approval process to maintain high standards.
State Pharmacy Chapters
State governments are directed to constitute State Pharmacy Chapters within one year of the bill’s commencement.
These chapters will play a crucial role in the effective regulation and promotion of pharmacy professionals.
FAQs
- What is the primary objective of the National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023?
- The bill aims to establish a pharmacy education system that enhances access to quality and affordable pharmaceutical education.
- How will the competence of pharmacy professionals be evaluated under the proposed bill?
- The bill proposes a mechanism, possibly through final year undergraduate exams, to evaluate the competence of pharmacy professionals.
- What are the functions of the Pharmacy Education Board?
- The Pharmacy Education Board determines requirements and standards for pharmacy education, prepares curriculum, and regulates the standards and scope of practice of registered pharmacy professionals.
- What is the role of the Pharmacy Assessment and Rating Board?
- This board assesses and rates pharmacy institutions, grants permissions for new institutions or courses, and conducts inspections.
- How does the bill ensure a stringent approval process for new institutions or courses?
- The bill mandates that no new pharmacy institution or course can be established without obtaining prior permission from the Pharmacy Assessment and Rating Board.
Click to read complete series, Chapters 1 to 13, on India and Pharmacy Education
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