New Delhi (Agency): The Union Health Ministry has introduced a draft of the National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023, marking a significant step in reforming pharmacy education and practice in India. The proposed legislation, uploaded on the ministry’s website on November 10 for public comment, seeks to replace the nearly 75-year-old Pharmacy Act and the Pharmacy Council of India with a new commission.
The draft Bill is designed to enhance access to quality and affordable pharmaceutical education across the country. It aims to ensure the availability of adequately trained and high-quality pharmacy professionals in all regions, promoting equitable and universal healthcare. The Bill emphasizes making pharmacy services accessible to all citizens, underscoring a commitment to improving the healthcare infrastructure in India.
A key feature of the proposed Bill is the establishment of a National Pharmacy Register, which will contain detailed information about all pharmacy professionals. This register, maintained by the Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board, is intended to enhance transparency in the field. The Board is tasked with ensuring that the register is constantly updated and available to the public via a digital portal.
The Bill also mandates each state to maintain and regularly update its State Pharmacy Professional Register and the State Pharmacy Register in a specified digital format. These records must be submitted to the Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board/Commission in both digital and physical formats within three months of the act’s commencement.
In addition to these structural changes, the draft Bill encourages pharmacy professionals to engage with the latest research and contribute to the field’s advancement. It proposes a framework that allows flexibility to adapt to the evolving needs of healthcare and pharmacy practice. Moreover, the Bill aims to establish an effective mechanism for addressing grievances, reflecting a commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in pharmacy services.
The National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023, represents a significant overhaul of the regulatory framework governing pharmacy education and practice in India. It seeks to align the pharmacy profession with contemporary educational standards and ethical practices, ensuring that the sector contributes effectively to the nation’s healthcare system.