Context: The Union Health Ministry invited comments from the public and stakeholders on the proposed National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023.

• Earlier, during the Parliament session (in August), the National Nursing and Midwifery Commission Bill2023 and the National Dental Commission Bill 2023, were passed.

About the Proposed National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023

• It aims to replace the Pharmacy Act 1948 and the existing Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) with the National Pharmacy Commission.

• The Act of 1948 regulates the profession of pharmacy whereas it is expedient to make better provision for the regulation of the profession and practise of pharmacy.

• For that purpose, it constitutes the Pharmacy Council of India.

• The Bill aims to improve access to affordable, high-quality pharmacy education, and ensure the availability of pharmacy professionals nationwide and seeks to promote equitable healthcare by making pharmacy services accessible to all citizens.

Objectives of the bill

• A significant move intending to replace the Pharmacy Act of 1948. The primary objectives is to enhance access to affordable and high-quality pharmacy education

• Ensuring the availability of pharmacy professionals across the country, and promote equitable healthcare by making pharmacy services accessible to all citizens.

Important Provisions

• Periodic Assessment: The Bill calls for transparent and periodic evaluations of pharmacy institutions.

• Pharmacy Register: A National Pharmacy Register will be maintained to ensure transparency in the details of pharmacy professionals.

• Research Integration: Professionals are encouraged to integrate the latest research into their practice and contribute to ongoing research efforts.

• Ethical Standards: Upholding high ethical standards is emphasized for pharmacy professionals.

• Grievance Redressal: An effective mechanism for grievance redressal in relevant matters is proposed.

• Commission Establishment: The Bill proposes the establishment of a commission headquartered in Delhi.

• Flexibility and Adaptability: It emphasizes flexibility to adapt to evolving needs, reflecting a forward-looking approach.

• Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board: It introduces a Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board tasked with maintaining the National Pharmacy Register.

• Transparency and Accessibility: The focus is on making pharmacy services transparent and accessible to the broader population.

Functions of the National Pharmacy Commission

• The commission is tasked with setting education standards, facilities, assessments, training, research, and tuition fees.

• It will establish standards for the pharmacy faculty and clinical facilities, implement a uniform admission mechanism, and regulate pharmacy education and training policies.

• Additionally, the commission will oversee and regulate pharmacy institutions, research activities, professionals, and associates.

• The commission will also make regulations to ensure the competency of pharmacy professionals.

• The commission will evaluate professionals either through final year undergraduate exam or otherwise,

• To ensure adequate competence of the pharmacy professionals for enrolment in the National Register or State Register, and

• For granting licence to practise as a pharmacy professional.

• It will also have the duty to collaborate with industry and other institutions for the use of cutting-edge technology and hybrid education to drive innovation and research in pharmacy.

• To ensure the global mobility of professionals, the council will have to train professionals with soft skills and provide elective courses at educational institutions.

Nationwide Impact

• With a nationwide scope, the Bill aims to have a positive impact on pharmacy education, healthcare accessibility, and professional standards across India.

• Presents a comprehensive approach towards equitable healthcare in the country.