Ministry of Health Seeks Public Input on Draft National Pharmacy Commission Bill

India's Ministry of Health invites public feedback on a draft National Pharmacy Commission bill, aiming to modernise regulations, enhance pharmacy education, and ensure ethical standards.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) India has invited feedback on the draft National Pharmacy Commission bill, to replace the existing regulatory provisions outlined in the Pharmacy Act of 1948.

The draft bill, made available on the ministry's website since November 14, aims to modernise the pharmacy regulatory framework, with a particular focus on the quality and affordability of pharmacy education.

The proposed legislation seeks to replace the current Pharmacy Council of India with the establishment of a new National Pharmacy Commission. The primary objectives include enhancing access to quality pharmacy education while upholding high ethical standards and implementing transparent and periodic assessments of pharmacy institutions.

According to the draft bill, the new National Pharmacy Commission will be headquartered in New Delhi and will be composed of a chairperson, thirteen ex-officio members, and fourteen part-time members. The commission will be responsible for coordinating and integrating the development of pharmacy education, ensuring the maintenance of service standards with periodic revisions, as specified by regulations.

The bill empowers the union government to constitute three boards, each supervised by the National Pharmacy Commission:

1. Pharmacy Education Board: This board will prescribe qualifications, set standards for establishing pharmacy institutions, and determine norms for infrastructure, faculty, and the quality of education in pharmacy institutions.

2. Pharmacy Assessment and Rating Board: Responsible for assessing and rating pharmacy institutions based on compliance with standards set by the Pharmacy Education Board. It will also have the authority to grant permission for the establishment of new institutions.

3. Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board: This board will maintain the National Register for all registered professionals, approve or reject applications for professional registration, and regulate professional conduct while promoting pharmacy ethics.

The draft bill underscores the government's commitment to advancing pharmacy education and services. It emphasises the need for a coordinated approach, integrating the development of pharmacy education with rigorous standards and regular assessments.

Public input on the draft bill is actively encouraged, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and inclusivity in shaping the future of pharmacy regulation in India.

In another development, just days back, the proposed National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023 announced the plan to establish an advisory body, the Pharmacy Advisory Council, to collaborate with the National Pharmacy Commission (NPC) and serve as a primary platform for States and Union Territories to communicate their perspectives and concerns.

The Pharmacy Advisory Council, as outlined in the draft Bill, will play a pivotal role in advising the Commission on various matters, including the determination and maintenance of minimum standards in pharmacy education, services, training, and research. This advisory body facilitates effective communication between the NPC and regional entities, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of diverse perspectives.