#BlunderHasHappened - Time to wakeup

#BlunderHasHappened - Time to wakeup 

The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), as the statutory body governing pharmacy education and practice in India, introduced the Pharm.D program in 2008 with the vision of integrating pharmacists into clinical settings as vital members of the healthcare team. However, despite its ambitious goals, the PCI bears partial responsibility for the lack of opportunities faced by Pharm.D graduates today.

Where PCI went wrong:

1. Inadequate Stakeholder Engagement:

The program was introduced without a strong framework involving collaboration with major healthcare stakeholders such as the Medical Council of India (now NMC), hospitals, healthcare policy makers, and employers. This resulted in a lack of formal recognition of Pharm.D professionals in clinical roles within hospitals.

2. Poor Integration with Healthcare System:

PCI failed to ensure the creation of structured job roles for Pharm.D graduates in both public and private healthcare systems. Unlike MBBS or BDS programs, there was no mandate or roadmap to integrate Pharm.Ds into government hospitals or primary health centers.

3. Insufficient Policy Advocacy:

PCI did not effectively lobby for Pharm.D graduates to be recognized as Clinical Pharmacists or Pharmacotherapy Specialists under national health schemes or in state public health systems. Consequently, there are limited government posts specifically designed for Pharm.D graduates.

4. Lack of Outcome-Based Evaluation:

PCI has not periodically assessed the program outcomes in terms of employment, career progression, or role recognition of Pharm.D graduates. This has allowed gaps to widen between academic training and real-world practice.

5. Overexpansion Without Planning:

Many colleges were allowed to start Pharm.D programs without adequate hospital tie-ups or infrastructure, leading to variable quality of training and overproduction of graduates without matching demand in the healthcare sector.

6. No Defined Scope of Practice:

PCI has not succeeded in securing a legal and professional scope of practice for Pharm.D graduates that is distinct from other pharmacy qualifications, leading to confusion and underutilization of their clinical skills.

While PCI’s intention was commendable, its execution lacked foresight, planning, and collaboration. 

The responsibility now lies with PCI to rectify this through policy advocacy, defining roles for Pharm.D graduates, ensuring integration with national health systems, and creating a viable career pathway to prevent further professional disillusionment and brain drain.

Government of India should intervene, dismiss the Deadwood's and appoint an administrator of IAS  cadre to save the Profession in public interest.

#PMO, #HFW

Pov: Bhagwan P. S

Pharmacy - beyond the counter - Patient centric.

Pharmacy - beyond the counter - Patient centric.

Pharmacy, once seen as a profession behind the counter or within the factory walls, is today poised for a transformation. 

The pharmacist is evolving into a critical member of the healthcare team, contributing to patient care, therapy optimization, public health, and even disaster management. 

Yet, despite this exciting evolution, our pharmacy colleges are struggling to match pace. The ailments are deep-rooted, but curable—with vision, reform, and a renewed commitment to quality.

At the heart of the issue lies the quality of student admissions. For many, pharmacy is not a first-choice profession. It is often a fallback, filled through vacant seats rather than merit-based enthusiasm. This has diluted the academic ecosystem, resulting in a large number of graduates who lack the passion or preparedness for a demanding healthcare role. 

Equally urgent is the need for high-caliber faculty. A great teacher can ignite a lifelong spark, but many colleges lack such mentors.

 Faculty development programs have to be more effective and impact ful,  salaries are uncompetitive, and industry or clinical exposure is minimal. Institutions must invest on faculty, their training, research engagement, and continuous professional development, aligning educators with global standards. Strong mentors alone can produce , strong professionals.

The absence of a central body like a National Pharmacy Council (NPC) to replace weak fragile PCI to standardize education, licensure, and practice scope adds to the vows of the colleges and education in general.  

An empowered NPC can uplift the profession by enforcing quality norms in admissions, curriculum design, institutional infrastructure, faculty competency, and student assessment—just as the NMC does for medicine or INC for nursing.

Exposure of Students graduate with  to real-world challenges. Internships, interdisciplinary learning, clinical postings, and innovation labs should be made compulsory and meaningful.

When the Pharmacists come out with inbuilt professional quality the demand for their service increases.

The time to heal is now—and with the right reforms, pharmacy education can not only recover but qualitatively support healthcare service.

Pov: Bhagwan P. S

POV :

Earlier there was MCI equivalent to PCI.

Then MCI got changed to NMC.

Now he is talking about bringing up NPC equivalent to NMC. 

What a mess? 

PCI & MCI now NMC.

Whats the job of the Representative from MCI now NMC in PCI?

Do we have PCI Representative in MCI now NMC?

Indian Health System practices untouchability towards Pharma Professionals!

Looks PCI failed to gel and coordinate with MCI now NMC in professional matters.

When PCI doesn't gel, how can the Pharmacists gel with Healthcare professionally.

This appears to be the root cause for B, M Pharm and Pharm Ds being stranded with no opportunity to serve in Healthcare.

Please correct me if I am wrong.

Please narrate your experience, observation, views in the comment box.

Reactions like 👍 mean nothing.

POV: Bhagwan P. S

#PharmacyCouncilOfIndia – A Body with wasted muscle! 😢

#PharmacyCouncilOfIndia – A Body with wasted muscle! 😢

PCI governs but fails to enforce!

The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), established under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, was meant to uphold the standards of pharmacy education and practice in India. 

But over the decades, while pharmacy evolved globally into a clinical and patient-centric profession, PCI has largely remained a regulator with outdated tools, limited vision and action short of reach.

At the heart of the problem is the Pharmacy Act itself — a law that has not kept pace with modern healthcare demands. It offers regulatory control but not reformative power. There is no legal push for advanced clinical training, integration into hospital systems, or patient care competencies. PCI continues to regulate based on a mid-20th-century model while the 21st-century healthcare system demands innovation.

Equally concerning is the composition of PCI’s council. Though it includes representatives from states, universities, and other bodies, the quality and commitment of members vary widely. Many are driven by institutional or political loyalties and it is a decoration for majority rather than professional advancement. As a result, council meetings become administrative rituals to clear 100+agenda, not platforms for national vision.

The approval and inspection process — central to PCI’s role — is also deeply flawed. Inspections often focus on paperwork over substance. Colleges with poor infrastructure, unqualified faculty, and negligible hospital exposure continue to get approvals.

 Allegations of bias and irregularities have further eroded trust in the system.

Meanwhile, thousands of pharmacy graduates face unemployment or underutilization due to diluted quality, no direction, outdate Curricula . Clinical exposure is minimal, in total degree without skill

PCI has not done enough to push for curriculum reform, standardized hospital training, or alignment with national health priorities.

Instead of being a think-tank and  thought leader, PCI often functions as a passive regulator. 

It has failed to advocate strongly for pharmacy graduates roles in public health, disaster preparedness, or clinical care. It has missed collaborating opportunities with AICTE, NMC, and global pharmacy bodies. Even in times of health crises, the pharmacist’s potential role remains un-recognized  underutilized — PCI has done little to break.

Above all, PCI lacks a National vision and Professional mission. It governs but does not lead. It regulates but does not inspire.

If pharmacy is to rise as a pillar of India’s healthcare system, PCI must transform — from a bureaucratic mode to a reformist force. This means amending the Act, raising the quality of its members, enforcing outcome-based education, and embedding pharmacy into the core of public health systems.

Until then, the profession will remain full of potential on paper and PCI, a symbol of how not to use it.!!!

Hope the message is  clear.. 👍

Lets debate...

Pov: Bhagwan P. s

Clinical Subjects like Pathophysiology and Clinical Pharmacokinetics require qualified faculty like M. D Pharmacologists for teaching in these universities and colleges with Pharm D and Pharm D (PB) courses in its initial stages.

Clinical Subjects like Pathophysiology and Clinical Pharmacokinetics require qualified faculty like M. D Pharmacologists for teaching in these universities and colleges with Pharm D and Pharm D (PB) courses in its initial stages.

Projects types in higher education

Either a project work requiring technology use like smart mobile camera , scanner, computer etc. 

Or a project work without much of technology use. Only manual operated. 

Leveraging DigiPharmed for Pharmacy Education and Practice

A Proposal to the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI): 

Leveraging DigiPharmed for Pharmacy Education and Practice

To: The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)

Subject: Adoption of Digital Technologies under the Concept of "DigiPharmed"

Respected Members of the Pharmacy Council of India,

With the rapid evolution of digital healthcare globally, the integration of digital technologies into pharmacy education and practice is crucial. The concept of DigiPharmed—the use of digital innovations in pharmacy—offers a pathway to transform pharmacy services and elevate the role of pharmacists in India's healthcare system.

Below are the proposed suggestions for PCI to adopt and implement DigiPharmed initiatives:

1. #integrationOfDigitalHealth - IntoPharmacy Education

Incorporate health informatics and digital health technologies into the pharmacy curriculum (e.g., AI, machine learning, blockchain, telepharmacy, and digital therapeutics).

1. #DevelopVirtualLabsAndSimulation - Based training platforms for practical skill enhancement.

Introduce specialized certifications in areas like telepharmacy operations, pharmacovigilance through digital platforms, and digital therapeutics.

2. Promotion of Telepharmacy and Remote Healthcare Services

a. Establish guidelines for ethical telepharmacy practices, ensuring compliance with national laws like the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

b. Create a framework for training pharmacists in teleconsultation, remote medication management, and e-prescriptions.

c. Collaborate with state health departments to implement telepharmacy services in rural and underserved areas.

3.#AlignmentWithNationalDigitalHealthMission (NDHM)

a. Actively participate in the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) by:

b. Integrating pharmacists into electronic health record (EHR) systems.

c. Training pharmacy professionals to use digital prescription platforms and healthcare interoperability tools.

4.#DigitalEnabledPharmacovigilance

a. Promote the use of digital tools like the PvPI (Pharmacovigilance Programme of India) mobile app for real-time adverse drug reaction reporting.

b. Encourage automation in pharmacovigilance systems to ensure safety and efficiency

5. #CapacityBuilding - Under Continuous Education

a. Conduct national-level workshops and webinars to train pharmacists in digital healthcare tools and emerging technologies.

b.  Collaborate with technology partners to provide access to the latest innovations in pharmacy practice.

6. #AddressThe Challenges - in Creating Opportunities

a. Position pharmacists as key contributors in India’s digital healthcare transformation.

b. Facilitate partnerships with global and national tech companies to introduce cutting-edge solutions in pharmacy practice.

At the outset,  By adopting the concept of #DigiPharmed and #PharmacarePCI can revolutionize pharmacy education and practice, enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and healthcare outcomes across India. This initiative will also position India as a global leader in digital pharmacy innovations.

I urge PCI to consider these suggestions and take a proactive role in implementing DigiPharmed strategies for the future of pharmacy profession in India.

With sincere regards,

Bhagavan P. S.

Retd. Dy Dir. Pharmacy

H&FWS, Karnstaka.

Frmr. Registrar, KSPC

Bengaluru.

#PCI

#APTI

Sch K amendment - Has these Objectives been Achieved?

Sch K amendment - Has these Objectives been Achieved?

The amendments to Schedule K of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, introduced significant changes to streamline drug regulations and accessibility. Here’s a comparative summary of the situation before and after the amendment:

👉Before the Amendment

1. Applicability and Scope:

Schedule K exempted certain classes of drugs and circumstances from specific provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, such as licensing requirements.

Focused primarily on traditional practices like home remedies, medicines for medical professionals' personal use, and drugs distributed under government programs.

2. Community Pharmacist Role:

Limited emphasis on the active role of community pharmacists in drug dispensing.

Drugs like antimalarials, contraceptives, and certain public health program-related medications were exempt from licensing under specific distribution schemes.

3. Challenges:

Regulatory gaps led to potential misuse and lack of uniformity in drug dispensing.

Limited coverage for modern healthcare needs.

The evolving role of pharmacists was not well-integrated.

👉After the Amendment

1. Expanded Scope and Clarity:

The amended Schedule K included clearer definitions and expanded exemptions to include new healthcare settings, such as telemedicine, e-pharmacies, or alternative delivery mechanisms.

Streamlined processes for government health programs.

2. Enhanced Role of Pharmacists:

Stronger emphasis on the role of qualified pharmacists in dispensing drugs exempted under Schedule K.

More robust inclusion of community pharmacists to bridge healthcare access gaps.

3. Strengthened Public Health Initiatives:

👉Better alignment with national health priorities, including immunization, TB control, and other public health programs.

Rationalized exemptions for drugs used in specific national healthcare programs, reducing regulatory delays.

4. Digital and Telemedicine Integration:

Eased rules for modern dispensing methods, recognizing the role of digital healthcare and online pharmacies in delivering medicines, especially in remote areas.

5. Regulatory Compliance:

👉Tighter monitoring of exempted drug categories to reduce misuse or diversion.

Improved documentation and accountability measures.

👉Impact of the Amendment

Improved Accessibility: Rural and underserved regions benefited from greater accessibility to essential medicines without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

Pharmacist Empowerment: Elevated pharmacists’ status as critical stakeholders in ensuring safe drug delivery and patient counseling.

Adaptation to Modern Healthcare Needs: Regulatory provisions evolved to accommodate digital healthcare platforms, telemedicine, and innovations in drug distribution.

These changes have harmonized regulations with the dynamic healthcare landscape while ensuring public safety and enhancing pharmacists' contributions to patient care.

Has this not made 'Pharmacist' dispensable/Replaceable and Substitutable?

PCI has a right to verify and demand reversal if it is found curtailing the scope of the profession and professionals

POV : Bhagwan PS

The "Schedule K of the D&C Act," 1948, which allows the Indian Doctor to dispense ,Sell Medicine without any Drug Licence .... Which is a Criminal offence in All the countries of the world... In older times when there were not enough Pharmacy/ Chemist shop, and the shops closed at 8 pm... the Doctors and Clinics who needed Medicine in case of emergencies were allowed to keep emergency medicine for patients, and a amendment was made in the D&C act... Called the Schedule k... Which allows the Indian Doctor to keep Medicine at his clinic/ nursing home... without any Drug Licence... But now with availability of 24 hrs Pharmacy/ Chemist shop... This rule should have been abolished as elsewhere in rest of the world... Where a Doctor cannot keep/ sell even a paracetamol from his Clinic/ nursing home.... But in India, since the Pharma lobby is controlled by the IMA... This law has not been changed... And this is the reason which even a Quack can be allowed to keep Medicine in his clinic and dispensing and loose Medicine are allowed in India... The IMA is to blame for mushrooming of the Quacks and even the misuse of Schedule k, of the D&C Act, 1948 by The Nursing Homes, Clinic and Hospital ...  Leaving the pharmacist to just use the "Pharmacist License" to Open a Chemist/ Pharmacy shop ....A Pharmacist who is an expert in Medicine/ Drug in India , is left just with a work to pass on the Medicine to the patient as a salesman... While in rest of the world, a Patient looks forward to getting expert advice by a Clinical Pharmacist on the correct dosage and per kg body wt. Calculated exact dosage schedule ( in case of Critical medicines),  precautions, monitoring and reporting any side effects, adverse effects of a Drug prescribed by a Doctor. Across the world, No person except the Pharmacist can dispense, sell or guide anyone on the Medicine/ Drug.