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Proposed NPC Bill to promote innovation & research in pharmacy: Experts

Shardul Nautiyal, Mumbai
Monday, November 27, 2023, 08:00 Hrs  [IST]

The proposed National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023 will give a fillip to research with the inclusion of latest technological advancements, according to legal experts.

The draft National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023, introduced by the Union ministry of health seeks to regulate pharmacy education, registration, conduct and ethics of pharmacy professionals and also enhancement of the reach of pharmacy services to the society.

The Bill proposes to replace the Pharmacy Act of 1948 and the existing Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) with the establishment of the National Pharmacy Commission in New Delhi.

According to Ashishchandra Rao, partner, Economic Laws Practice (ELP), “Under the proposed Act, what is most important to note is that the Commission is empowered to make regulations inter alia regarding collaborations of pharmacy professionals with the industry and institutions to use latest technology. This will also promote innovation and research in the field of pharmacy. Further noteworthy point in the draft bill is that the proposed Act also empowers the Commission to make regulations to integrate soft skills and elective courses in the curriculum of pharmacy education. This will enhance the overall skills and competence of the registered pharmacy professionals with a view to facilitate global mobility. This would not only ensure employment of pharmacy professionals in traditional pharmacy and healthcare roles but enhance their employability in other areas. Services of pharmacy professionals are also required in healthcare technology, management and government services among others."

Rao further added that under the proposed Act, the Commission is also required to hold regular meetings with other National and State Authorities responsible for regulating medical, dental, nursing, allied healthcare and Ayush education. This initiative is aimed at better coordination between various National and State Authorities related to medical and pharmaceutical sectors regarding their requirements relating to pharmacy and allied issues.

Alpana Srivastava, partner, Desai & Diwanji informs that the Bill proposes the creation of State Pharmacy Chapters to regulate the conduct of pharmacy professionals, enforce ethics, and take disciplinary actions. These chapters will ensure compliance with education standards, maintain State Registers, issue certifications, and conduct counseling for admissions.

Srivastava further added “These chapters will also be responsible for implementing directives from the National Pharmacy Commission and addressing issues with college principals, among other functions assigned by the government for effective implementation of the Bill.”

While the bill aims to improve the 1948 law governing pharmacies, Dhruv Chatterjee, partner, Saraf and Partners opines that the requirement for ethical and professional conduct amongst pharmacists appears to be the cornerstone of the bill. Statutory bodies proposed to be constituted pursuant to the bill are tasked with designing courses for training pharmacists which impart values and ethics, regulate professional conduct and pharmacy ethics, ensuring compliance with such standards by conferring powers to take disciplinary action.

“Going forward, and subject to implementation of the bill, industry stakeholders would need to watch out for rules and regulations which are expected to establish an appropriate framework for determination of professional conduct and etiquette amongst pharmacists,” Chatterjee concludes.

 

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