Union Health Ministry releases draft National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023, which seeks to repeal the Pharmacy Act of 1948

The draft National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023, has been made public by the Union Health Ministry. It seeks to establish a national commission in lieu of the Pharmacy Council of India and repeal the Pharmacy Act of 1948. On November 14, the government posted the draft bill online and invited public feedback.

The proposed bill seeks to establish a pharmacy education system that increases access to reasonably priced, high-quality pharmacy or pharmaceutical education, guarantees the availability of sufficient, highly qualified pharmacy professionals nationwide, advances universal and equitable healthcare, and allows all citizens to utilise pharmacy professionals' services.

The proposed legislation mandates strict adherence to high ethical standards in all facets of pharmaceutical services, facilitates the creation of an Indian pharmacy register, and evaluates pharmacy institutions on a regular and transparent basis. Additionally, it motivates pharmacy professionals to participate in research and incorporate the most recent findings into their jobs. The draft bill aims to establish an efficient grievance redressal system and suggests flexibility to adjust to changing demands. In order to enhance openness, the draft states that the Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board would keep a National Pharmacy Register with information on pharmacy professionals.