The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) is the legal body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. It was established under the Pharmacy Act 1948. The PCI is responsible for regulating and laying the rules for offering a Pharmacy course at any level, i.e. Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Diploma as well as Doctoral levels.
To prescribe the minimum standard of education required for qualifying as a pharmacist, i.e. framing of Education Regulations prescribing the conditions to be fulfilled by the institutions seeking approval of the PCI for imparting education in pharmacy.
Objectives of the Pharmacy Council of India
There are certain defined objectives of the Pharmacy Council of India, which is as follows:
1. Regulation of Pharmacy Education in India to facilitate the registration of a pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act 1948.
2. Regulation of the Profession and Practice of Pharmacy.
3. Rules and Regulations that have been outlined for courses include regulations for the course structure and syllabus for Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), Diploma in Pharmacy (Pharm.D) and Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm).
4. The infrastructure as well as the teaching of each and every institution is provided with strict vigilance. Whether the quality of training is getting improved or not is specifically checked by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI).
5. Ensuring the maintenance of ethical standards within the pharmacy profession.
Functions of the Pharmacy Council of India
1. Establishing standards for pharmacy education and training in India: The PCI sets standards for pharmacy education and training in India, and accredits pharmacy schools and colleges that meet these standards.
2. Registering pharmacy graduates and practitioners: The PCI maintains a register of all pharmacy graduates and practitioners in India, and issues licenses to those who are qualified to practice pharmacy.
3. Conducting inspections of pharmacy schools and colleges: The PCI conducts inspections of pharmacy schools and colleges to ensure that they meet the established standards for education and training.
4. Promoting continuing education for pharmacy professionals: The PCI encourages pharmacy professionals to participate in continuing education programs to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.
5. Advising the government on matters related to pharmacy: The PCI advises the government on matters related to pharmacy, such as the regulation of pharmacy practice and the development of policies related to the use of medicines.
6. Take necessary steps to regulate the practice of pharmacy and to take action against any violation of the Pharmacy Act 1948 and regulations.
7. Enforce the provisions of the Pharmacy Act 1948, Rules and Regulations framed there under and also ethical codes of conduct as laid down by the Council, with the help of State Pharmacy Councils.
8. Advise the Central and State Governments on matters related to pharmacy education, practice, ethics and research.
Read More: The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC)
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