Draft National Pharmacy Commission Bill

Subject: Polity

Section: Laws in news

Context

Recently, The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has unveiled the draft National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023, signaling a transformative shift in India’s healthcare landscape.
This bill aims to replace the Pharmacy Act, of 1948, and the existing Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) with the forward-looking National Pharmacy Commission.

Important Highlights of the Bill

Elevating Pharmacy Education: The primary objective of the bill is to elevate pharmacy education by enhancing access to affordable, high-quality learning opportunities. It envisions a robust educational framework that prepares future pharmacy professionals to excel.
Universal Access to Pharmacy Services: The bill aspires to make pharmacy services accessible to all, fostering equitable healthcare delivery across the nation.
Integration of Research and Ethical Standards: It encourages pharmacy professionals to seamlessly integrate the latest research into their practice, contribute to ongoing research efforts, and uphold the highest ethical standards.
Transparency and Adaptability: The bill advocates for regular, transparent assessments of pharmacy institutions, the establishment of a national pharmacy register, and the flexibility to adapt to evolving healthcare needs. It also introduces an effective grievance redressal mechanism.

Structure of National Pharmacy Commission

A New Beginning: The bill proposes the establishment of the National Pharmacy Commission, headquartered in New Delhi, heralding the dissolution of the existing Pharmacy Council of India.
Composition: The commission will consist of a Chairperson, 13 ex-officio members, and 14 part-time members.
Three Key Boards: The Central Government will constitute three vital boards under the commission:
Pharmacy Education Board
Pharmacy Assessment and Rating Board
Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board

Empowering State Chapters

The bill mandates every State Government to establish a state pharmacy chapter within one year from the Act’s commencement.
These chapters will operate under State Law and play a pivotal role in executing the Act’s provisions.
The Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board will maintain the National Pharmacy Register (NPR), a comprehensive repository containing detailed information about pharmacy professionals, ensuring transparency and accountability.