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The MIT Pharmacy College in Mysuru has recently urged the Union Health Ministry to include Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy) graduates in the eligibility criteria for the post of Drug Inspectors and Food Inspectors. In July 2019, the Union Health Ministry had issued a gazette notification clearly stating that a person holding the Pharm D qualification, being a higher qualification, shall automatically become eligible for appointment to various posts where a person holding Diploma in Pharmacy or Bachelor of Pharmacy or Master of Pharmacy qualification is eligible to be appointed. Further, as Pharm D is an approved qualification under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, the Pharmacy Council of India has continuously been requesting the Central and State governments to amend recruitment rules to include Pharm D for various posts. More importantly, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), the highest authority under the Union Health Ministry on technical matters, has reportedly agreed to amend the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945, to explicitly include Pharm D for the qualifications of inspectors. But, the fact remains that there is still inconsistent application of the Pharm D qualification for key public health posts across the country, specifically the Drug Inspectors and Food Inspectors roles. It is deplorable that even though Pharm D is a higher and more extensive qualification than B Pharm and M Pharm, its automatic eligibility is frequently disregarded by various recruiting agencies in the country including Union Public Service Commission and State Public Service Commissions.
The Pharmacy Council of India introduced the Pharm D programme in the country with much fanfare in 2008 with the main objective of imparting the necessary training and skill to undertake pharmacy practice in the field of patient care. The curriculum was designed to produce clinically competent pharmacists who can assume expanded responsibilities in patient care and assure the provision of rational drug therapy. The government introduced this 6-year course as the role of a pharmacist has been undergoing major changes world over in the wake of notable progress made by the pharmaceutical science and education. But, the job prospects for these graduates have been far and few between as the government did not create a cadre to them, though they fall under Clinical Pharmacist cadre. It is a pity that the euphoria created over this course is petering out as these graduates are finding it difficult to get proper jobs after studying for six long years. Pharm D is a six-year, clinically focused professional doctoral degree recognized globally. Its comprehensive curriculum fully covers the legal, pharmaceutical, and clinical expertise required for regulatory roles. The Pharm D professionals possess advanced clinical, pharmacological, and regulatory expertise that aligns closely with the responsibilities of the roles of Drug Inspectors and Food Inspectors. No doubt, there is growing demand for qualified personnel in drug and food safety regulation in the country. So, the government should revise the existing recruitment rules to ensure fair opportunities for Pharm D candidates and strengthen public health oversight. The MIT Pharmacy College has raised a relevant issue. The Union government should issue a clear, unambiguous, and mandatory directive to all Central and State recruiting agencies like the UPSC, State public service commissions, etc to immediately and explicitly include the Pharm D qualification in the educational criteria for the post of drug and food inspectors, in line with the 2019 gazette notification of Union Health Ministry for all equivalent posts where B Pharm/M Pharm are currently required. This action will ensure the appropriate utilization of highly trained Pharm D graduates in strengthening drug and food safety standards across the country.
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