PCI - A run of the mill Office of Babus.?

A different POV : 

PCI - A run of the mill Office of Babus.? 

- Do we need it? Fot whose benefit?

👉No professional Look Walk & Talk.

👉No transparency in functioning.

👉Doesn't walk even a step ahead leave alone an extra mile to understand the status of the profession in the community and address the challenges the profession is facing.

If Council is only Rule-Book office, what is its contribution to the Stakeholders and why we need the Council at all?

#Everyone

- Bhagwan PS

Typical IPA Culture

Typical IPA Culture

An Insight When examining the culture of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), several observations and concerns come to light. 

These insights may reveal the dynamics within such associations and provoke thought on their effectiveness and priorities.

1. Agenda Deliberations:

 It's a common curiosity how such organizations can deliberate on 15 heavy agenda items starting from 5 PM. 

This often leads to speculation that:

👉Pre-decided Resolutions: Many resolutions might be pre-decided, leaving little room for genuine discussion.

👉Pre-drafted Minutes: The minutes of the meetings might be pre-drafted, further indicating that discussions might be more a formality than substance.

👉Compelling Addictions: There might be underlying incentives or motivations driving the swift handling of heavy agendas.

2. Overlooked Issues: 

👉A significant critique of such meetings is the neglect of several crucial issues that affect pharmacists directly. These include:

a. Pharmacists' Quality: There often appears to be a lack of focus on improving the quality of pharmacists, which is fundamental to the profession's growth and reputation.

b. Professional and Life Quality: The professional and personal life quality of pharmacists is another area that seems to be overlooked, impacting job satisfaction and overall well-being.

c.Professional Status of Pharmacy: Enhancing the professional status and public perception of pharmacists is vital, yet it frequently receives insufficient attention.

d.Anomalies in Acts and Rules: There are numerous anomalies in the acts and rules governing pharmacists and pharmacies that need addressing to ensure fair practice and compliance.

e. Frauds & Malpractices: Issues such as frauds and malpractices in the academy, regulatory bodies, and retail pharmacies are pressing concerns that require stringent measures and reforms.

3. Regulatory Barriers: Regulatory officers and individuals from Pharmacy Councils, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), and state drug and license regulating bodies participation could be influencing the discussion and resolution on these pressing issues.

 The involvement of these entities might prevent certain topics from being included, considered and addressed due to:

a. Bureaucratic Hurdles: Regulatory processes can often be slow and cumbersome, hindering timely resolutions.

b. Conflict of Interest: Individuals in regulatory positions might have conflicting interests that influence their decisions and priorities.

c.Lack of Accountability: There might be insufficient or very poor accountability mechanisms wrt functioning and performances.

d. Scared of getting exposed and consequent embarrassment if real issues are considered.

Conclusion: The current culture within the IPA, as perceived, raises significant questions about its effectiveness in addressing the real and pressing issues facing the pharmacy profession. 

For meaningful progress, there needs to be a shift towards more transparent, inclusive, and proactive deliberations focusing on the core challenges and quality improvements within the field. 

Overcoming regulatory barriers by keeping them out and ensuring that these bodies work collaboratively towards the profession's betterment is crucial.

Good Wishes: Despite these challenges, there is hope and good wishes for a future where these critical issues are addressed, leading to a more robust and respected pharmacy profession.

The IPA must ensure that regulatory bodies act in the best interest of the profession and public health.

Thanks for the interest shown and time spared 🙏.

Typical IPA Culture

I really wonder how they would / can deliberate on 15 heavy Agenda from 5PM , unless the resolutions are:

 👉Pre decided, 

 👉Minutes  are pre drafted and

  👉they have some compelling addiction.

Not a single issue on the 

👉Pharmacists Quality

👉Professional and life quality, 

👉Professional status of Pharmacy

👉Anomalies in the Acts and Rule governing the Pharmacists and Pharmacies.

👉 Frauds & Malpractices in Academy, Regulatory bodies and Retail Pharmacies.

Good wishes 👍🎉

https://lnkd.in/gjWq4V96

#Everyone

- Bhagwan PS- A different POV

D. Pharma exam scam

Malpractices in Education & Exams.

Treat offenders in education on par with Antisocial elements and Traitors.

Physicians Failed Drugs Logistics in Hospitals. Medical Graduates are No-Wrong-Doers 😄

Physicians Failed Drugs Logistics in Hospitals.

Medical Graduates are No-Wrong-Doers 😄

Two loads of Expired Drugs.

Will any business house keep and award the person responsible?

But, our Government does!!!

Causes:

1. Considering Physicians as experts which they are not in drugs logistics management.

2. Vendor driven drugs purchase out of greed

3. Not empowering Pharmacists to manage drugs logistics independently.

4. Not maintaining drugs stock log book.

5. Obligated stock audit cushioning all misdeeds.

No punishment to such irresponsible officers

Solution:

Government should understand that Physicians are not made for drugs stores management. They act more as disciplining authority than solution providers.

Pharmacists are best suited and more competent to manage drugs logistics from inward to dispensing.

Relieve Physicians from Administration and Drugs Logistics Management

Post and Empower Pharmacists (Graduates) to manage with due accountability.

Telling we write to Vendor 6months in advance is only a drama to cover up and avoid Accountability.

Stock audit should be done with refence to Consumption Rate.

How to make digital inspections of pharmacy and Pharmacy colleges foolproof ?

How to make digital inspections of pharmacy and Pharmacy colleges foolproof, consider the following measures:

1. *Standardized Checklist*: Develop a comprehensive, standardized checklist for inspectors to ensure consistency and thoroughness.

2. *Digital Tools*: Utilize digital tools like mobile apps or software to conduct inspections, enabling real-time data collection and reduced errors.

3. *Authentication*: Implement secure login and authentication processes to ensure only authorized personnel can conduct inspections and access reports.

4. *Real-time Reporting*: Enable inspectors to submit reports in real-time, reducing delays and increasing transparency.

5. *Data Analytics*: Use data analytics to identify trends, patterns, and areas of concern, facilitating data-driven decisions.

6. *Training and Support*: Provide regular training and support for inspectors to ensure they are familiar with the digital inspection process and tools.

7. *Quality Assurance*: Establish a quality assurance process to review and verify inspection reports, ensuring accuracy and reliability.

8. *Encryption and Security*: Ensure data is encrypted and stored securely to prevent unauthorized access or tampering.

9. *Audit Trails*: Maintain detailed audit trails to track changes, updates, and access to inspection reports.

10. *Continuous Improvement*: Regularly review and refine the digital inspection process to address any weaknesses or limitations.

By implementing these measures, digital inspections of pharmacy by Drugs Inspectors and Pharmacy colleges by Pharmacy Inspectors can be made more comprehensive, efficient, and foolproof.

Pharmacy Commission Bill

Is 2 years Pharmacy education sufficient to deliver professional service to community at Retail Pharmacy Outlet?

Narrative reply I got from ChatGPT.

My question:

Is 2 years Pharmacy education sufficient to deliver professional service to community at Retail Pharmacy Outlet?

The quality of pharmacy professionals in retail pharmacies in India varies widely. 

Key aspects include:Educational Background: Pharmacists in India typically hold a Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm), a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm), or higher degrees like Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D). 

The quality of education and training can vary significantly between institutions.

Regulatory Standards: The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) sets standards for pharmacy education and practice.

 However, enforcement and adherence to these standards can be inconsistent across different regions.

Professional Competence: In urban areas, many retail pharmacies employ well-trained and knowledgeable pharmacists. However, in rural areas, there may be a shortage of qualified professionals, leading to less optimal pharmacy services.

Continuing Education: Ongoing professional development and continuing education opportunities are essential for maintaining high standards. 

In India, these opportunities are often limited or not mandatory, affecting the overall quality of pharmacy practice.

Customer Interaction and Service Quality: The level of service and patient counseling provided by retail pharmacists can vary.

 Some pharmacists actively engage in patient education and medication management, while others may focus more on dispensing medications without providing additional healthcare support.

Regulatory Challenges: Issues such as the sale of prescription medications without proper prescriptions, counterfeit drugs, and lack of stringent regulatory oversight can impact the quality of pharmacy practice in the retail sector.

Technological Integration: The adoption of technology, such as electronic health records and e-prescriptions, is still in its early stages in many retail pharmacies, which can affect the efficiency and accuracy of pharmacy services.Improving the quality of pharmacy professionals in retail settings in India requires strengthening educational standards, enforcing regulatory compliance, providing continuous professional development, and integrating advanced technologies into pharmacy practice.

Unquote:

This is like a typical Govt reply.-Bhagavan PS.

Q: No Drug License without a Pharmacist - Law. When this is the law how can shortage of pharmacist be the reason for absence of pharmacist?

Pharmacist's absence.

Q: No Drug License without a Pharmacist - Law. When this is the law how can shortage of pharmacist be the reason for absence of pharmacist?

Chat GPT: 

The shortage of pharmacists despite the legal requirement for a drug license highlights a gap between regulation and practice. Here are some potential reasons for this discrepancy:

1. **Supply and Demand Imbalance**: There may be more pharmacies and healthcare facilities requiring pharmacists than there are qualified pharmacists available.

2. **Geographical Disparities**: Certain areas, particularly rural or underserved regions, may have a harder time attracting and retaining pharmacists.

3. **Regulatory Enforcement**: There might be lapses in the enforcement of the law, allowing some pharmacies to operate without the required pharmacist on-site.

4. **Operational Challenges**: Pharmacies might face challenges such as financial constraints, making it difficult to employ a full-time pharmacist.

5. **Temporary Solutions**: Some pharmacies may resort to temporary or part-time staffing arrangements to circumvent the regulations.

Addressing these issues would require a multifaceted approach, including increasing the training and education of pharmacists, providing incentives for working in underserved areas, and stricter enforcement of regulations.

A different POV :PharmDs should have been given "Registered Clinical Pharmacist and Pharmacotherapist Practitioner" certificate.

A different POV :PharmDs should have been given "Registered Clinical Pharmacist and Pharmacotherapist Practitioner" certificate.

self medication

Repeating old prescription - Self-Medication 

Apart from technical issues there are social and economic issues involved that drives the patient to buy repeat dose directly.

The issue is grave in chronic patients like Diabetes, cardiovascular problems, Psychiatric problems, Neurological problems etc..

A  vist to a Doctor costs ₹500 to ₹1000/- excluding medicine. Unaffordable to middle class patient.

However, this doesnt justify self medication even if it is a repeat on old prescription..

But, the challenge remains.....

Can the Challenge be left unaddressed and ignored as is being done now?

Few suggestions:

1. Categorise such drugs into further subgroups:

a. Those that should be dispensed only on New Prescription.

b. Those that can be dispensed for some fixed No of times or in not more than some fixed quantity.

c. Those that should be dispensed only by the Regd Pharmacist.

And also mandate certain guidelines in the prescription for repeat purchase like:

a. Not to be repeated.

b. Repeat for _3_ times only 

c  Repeat only for --weeks requirement.

Alternate suggestion requested 

#Everyone 

#Highlight

Reform - Perform - Transform #PharmacyEducation

Reform  -  Perform  -  Transform 

                        #PharmacyEducation

PCI through a resolution should come out with Sustainable Pragmatic Education Program if necessary by merging certain courses.

Start listing the needs from the field to avoid Debris loading.

Eg. Community Pharmacy and Hospital Pharmacy

D.Pharm to Pharm.D/Pharm.D(PB)

To make minimum qualification for a registered pharmacist to do pharmacy practice in India, Pharm-D degree rather than D.Pharm ie. to replace the state's diploma of pharmacist.

Instead of updating and upgrading the syllabus of D.Pharm, what the policy makers have done is that they have created a new course named Pharm.D/Pharmd(PB) and obvious plan is to make it the minimum qualification for a registered pharmacist to do pharmacy practice in India.

Why create so much confusion, why malign the integrity of Pharmacy field. They could have retained the D.Pharm course and should have made neccessary changes in the syllabus and duration of D.Pharm, so that the minimum qualification for a registered pharmacist to do pharmacy practice in India remain D.Pharm and no need to replace the state's diploma of pharmacist. 

Just imagine if M.B.B.S course is replaced by some other course which is made minimum qualification for a registered physician to do medical practice in India.

However a different take on D. Pharm course is as follows: A different POV :

PCI to introduce medical device mfg in revised curriculum

PCI to introduce Medical Device Mfg in revised curriculum - News Ref. AIOCD.

Why this stupidity?

Is medical devices any formula product?

It is an Engineering subject with medical application.

Knowledge of metals, Rubbers, plasticizers, plastics , PE, PVC, Acrylics, other synthetic materials, absorbability and non-absorbability, their ductile and malleability properties, thermal and irradiation sustainability, besides other related properties like ease of sterilization and application, disposability, special devices for handling radioactive materials etc are a must.

Why burden the pharmacy students for no extra gain?

I remember my B Pharm year 1965 to 69 where we were struggling to work on drawing board to draw basic machine drawings, studying Chemical engineering calculations and formula, orifice meters, Venturi meters, BSc level Arithmetics, Calculus Trigonometry , Algebra etc for no extra gain.

Now, with an eye on to capture control on Mfg and Trading in Medical devices PCI should not run after the mad race in others domain.

-Bhagwan P S

Understanding of Pharma D course initiation requirements

To develop a thorough understanding of initiating a PharmD course, it's essential to conduct a comprehensive analysis, covering situation analysis, need analysis, feasibility study, area of employment, and acceptability. 

Here’s a detailed breakdown for each aspect:

1. Situation AnalysisObjective: Understand the current state of pharmacy education and healthcare needs.

Current Status of Pharmacy Education:What pharmacy programs are currently available in the region?

What is the enrollment rate and graduation rate of existing programs?

What is the perception of the quality of these programs among stakeholders (students, faculty, employers)?

Healthcare Landscape:

What are the major health issues in the region that require pharmacological intervention?

How is the healthcare system structured (public vs. private, primary care vs. specialty care)?

What role do pharmacists currently play in patient care within this system?

Regulatory Environment:

What are the national and local regulations regarding pharmacy education and practice?

Are there any anticipated changes in regulations that could impact the PharmD program?

2. Need AnalysisObjective: Identify the demand for the PharmD program and its relevance.Stakeholder Demand:

What is the level of interest from prospective students in pursuing a PharmD?

What do current pharmacy students and professionals think about the need for a PharmD program?

Healthcare Needs:

What gaps exist in the current healthcare delivery that a PharmD graduate could fill?

Are there any specific patient care areas that require more advanced pharmacological expertise?

Educational Gaps:

What deficiencies exist in current pharmacy programs that a PharmD could address?

How would the PharmD program align with global best practices in pharmacy education?

3. Feasibility StudyObjective: 

Assess the practicality of establishing a PharmD program.Institutional Capacity:

Does the institution have the necessary infrastructure (classrooms, laboratories, libraries) to support the program?

Is there a sufficient number of qualified faculty members to teach the PharmD courses?.

Financial Considerations:

What are the estimated costs of starting and running the PharmD program?

What funding sources are available (government grants, tuition fees, private investments)?

Market Analysis:

What is the projected enrollment for the PharmD program over the next 5-10 years?

How will the program be marketed to attract students?

4. Area of EmploymentObjective:

 Identify employment opportunities for PharmD graduates.

Healthcare Settings:

What are the primary areas of employment for PharmD graduates (hospitals, community pharmacies, clinics)?

Are there emerging roles for pharmacists in specialized fields (oncology, geriatrics, infectious diseases)?

Industry Opportunities:

What roles are available in the pharmaceutical industry (research and development, regulatory affairs, clinical trials)?

Are there opportunities in healthcare policy and administration?

Global Opportunities:

What international employment opportunities exist for PharmD graduates?

How does the PharmD degree from your institution compare with those from other countries?

5. AcceptabilityObjective: 

Determine the acceptance of the PharmD program among various stakeholders.

Student Acceptability:

Are prospective students aware of the benefits of the PharmD program?

What are their perceptions and expectations regarding the program?

Employer Acceptability:

How do potential employers view the value of a PharmD degree?

What are their expectations in terms of skills and competencies of PharmD graduates?

Regulatory and Professional Bodies:

What is the stance of regulatory and professional pharmacy bodies on the PharmD program?

Are there any accreditations or endorsements required from these bodies?

Public Perception:

How does the general public perceive the role of pharmacists in healthcare?

What steps can be taken to enhance the visibility and understanding of the PharmD program among the public?

Conducting a thorough analysis in these areas will help ensure that the PharmD program is well-conceived, relevant, and sustainable.

Has PCI done this exercise? 

# #PCI

#Montukumar Patel

#Secretary, PCI 

#Everyone