|
 The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) may add Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) as a valid qualification to become a Registrar in the State Pharmacy Councils, along with the present qualifications of B Pharm and D Pharm.
The Council has also communicated to all State Pharmacy Councils regarding standardisation of qualifications and appointment process for registrars of State Councils.
The PCI, in its latest circular to all State governments, has said that the Central Council, in its 119th meeting held on February 28, 2025, has decided to issue circular to all state governments inviting their attention to the relevant circulars and section of the Pharmacy Act, 1948, in this regard.
"Further, the Central Council also suggested to add Pharm.D and frame recruitment rules for appointments of Registrars in State Pharmacy Councils," said the circular issued on May 14.
The Council, in 1997, informed the State Councils that its meeting has decided that the Registrar of the State Pharmacy Council should be registered pharmacist, and the qualification of the registered pharmacist, in order of preference shall be so that the first preference should be given to B.Pharm and the second preference to D.Pharm holders.
According to sources, the new circular is a move towards improving transparency and uniform procedures for appointment of Registrars in the State Councils across India. It is also giving the recognition it deserved to the relatively newer qualifications in the field, like the Pharm.D, in the process.
The Section 26 of the Pharmacy Act, while detailing the provisions for recruitment of staff in the State Councils, and their remuneration and allowances, stipulates that the appointment of registrar is the responsibility of the State Pharmacy Councils.
According to the Section, the State Council may, with the previous sanction of the state government, appoint a Registrar who shall also act as Secretary and, if so decided by the State Council, Treasurer, of the State Council.
The State Council may appoint such other officers and servants as may be required to enable it to carry out its functions under the Act, and fix the salaries and allowances and other conditions of service of the Secretary and other officers and servants of the State Council.
It may also fix the rates of allowances payable to members of the State Council.
However, it also has a provision that for the first four years from the first constitution of the State Council, the Registrar shall be a person appointed by the state government, who shall hold office during the pleasure of the state government.
|