National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023

22 Nov National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “ National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023”. This topic has relevance in the Governance section of the UPSC CSE exam.

GS 2: Governance

Why in the news?

The Union Health Ministry has called for feedback from the public and stakeholders regarding the draft National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023.

About National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023

The proposed National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023 is poised to bring significant changes to the regulation of the pharmacy profession in India. Aimed at replacing the Pharmacy Act 1948 and the existing Pharmacy Council of India, the bill focuses on enhancing access to quality pharmacy education and ensuring the availability of skilled professionals across the nation.

Objectives of the Bill:

• Replacement of Existing Legislation:

• • The bill aims to replace the Pharmacy Act 1948 and the Pharmacy Council of India with the National Pharmacy Commission.
  • The goal is to make better provisions for the regulation of the pharmacy profession and practice.

• Improving Access and Quality:

• • The bill seeks to enhance access to affordable, high-quality pharmacy education.
  • It aims to ensure the availability of pharmacy professionals nationwide, promoting equitable healthcare.

Salient Provisions:

• Constitution of National Pharmacy Commission:

• • The bill proposes the establishment of a commission headquartered in New Delhi.
  • The commission will consist of a Chairperson, 13 ex-officio members, and 14 part-time members.

• Boards Under the Commission:

• • Three boards will be constituted: Pharmacy Education Board, Pharmacy Assessment and Rating Board, and Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board.
  • These boards will operate under the commission’s purview.

• Regulation of New Institutions:

• • The bill prohibits the establishment of new pharmacy institutions or courses without prior permission from the Pharmacy Assessment and Rating Board.
  • Non-compliance may result in actions such as warnings, penalties, or recognition withdrawal.

• National Pharmacy Register:

• • The Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board will maintain a National Pharmacy Register for transparency.
  • It will contain details of pharmacy professionals.

• Implementation at State Level:

• • State Governments are mandated to constitute state pharmacy chapters within one year.
  • These chapters will exercise powers and duties as laid down under the Act.

Functions of the National Pharmacy Commission:

• Setting Standards:

• • The commission will set education standards, facilities, assessments, training, and tuition fees.
  • It will establish standards for pharmacy faculty, clinical facilities, and implement a uniform admission mechanism.

• Regulation and Oversight:

• • The commission will oversee and regulate pharmacy institutions, research activities, professionals, and associates.
  • It will ensure the competency of pharmacy professionals through evaluations and licensing procedures.

• Collaboration and Innovation:

• • The commission is tasked with collaborating with industry and institutions for the use of technology and hybrid education.
  • It will focus on driving innovation and research in pharmacy and training professionals with global mobility in mind.

Source: Health Ministry releases draft National Pharmacy Commission Bill – The Hindu

Q.1 Regarding the Proposed National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023 recently seen in the news, consider the following statements:

1. The bill aims to replace the Pharmacy Act 1998.
2. It aims to ensure the availability of pharmacy professionals nationwide, promoting equitable healthcare.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: B

Q.2 Regarding the Functions of the National Pharmacy Commission, as recently seen in the news, consider the following:

1. The commission sets education standards, assessments, and implements a uniform admission mechanism.
2. The commission oversees and regulates pharmacy institutions, ensuring competency through evaluations and licensing.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: C

Q.3 Evaluate the potential impact of the proposed National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023 on the regulation and accessibility of pharmacy education and professionals in India.

rishabh