PHARMACY ACT 1948

 

Pharmacy Act 1948

Why the Act was introduced

Earlier there was no restriction in India on the profession of pharmacy. One would practice this profession as any other profession. People having no education in pharmacy or pharmacist’s chemistry or pharmacology were engaged in this profession.

The compounding, mixing or dispensing of medicines was being done by persons who were not adequately trained in this line. The system was causing great harm to the health of the people by wrong compounding.

Thus the government found it necessary to enact a law for the registration of the profession and practice of Pharmacy.

In the field of medicines the role of the pharmacist is very important. Everyone cannot be a pharmacist. Hence the Pharmacy Act came into existence in 1948. This law was amending by the Amendment Act of 1959. The law laid down the formation of Pharmacy Councils in the Centre and also in the States. The Councils prescribe the discipline for the same.

The Central Council of Pharmacy will prescribe the minimum standards of education and approve courses of study and examinations for pharmacists.

Provincial Governments can prohibit dispensing of medicine if there is no personal supervision of a registered pharmacist.

The 1948 Act was amended in 1959 to:

·         Extend the Act in former B States

·         To meet situations due to reorganization of States

The Amending Act of 1976

·         The University Grants Commission and All India Council for Technical Education were included in the Pharmacy Council

·         The Comptroller and Auditor General of India or any person authorized by him will audit the accounts of the Pharmacy Council

·         Persons from neighboring countries who migrated to India were allowed to register as pharmacists

·         People working as compounders / dispensers courses according to the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940, could register as pharmacists

Amending Act of 1982

This Act provides that the State government can appoint only a registered pharmacist.

The State Government shall provide a register of pharmacist and maintain that register which will include:

·         The full name and residential address

·         The date of first admission to the register

·         The qualification for registration

·         The professional address

Qualifications for entry on first register:

·      A degree or diploma in pharmacy, a pharmaceutical chemistry, a chemist and druggist diploma of an Indian University

·         Three years experience in dispensing or compounding drugs and a university degree

·         Passed only examination for compounders or dispensers recognized by the State

·         Engaged in compounding drugs for five years

The Act extends to the whole of India except Jammu & Kashmir.