The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has expressed serious concern regarding the appointment of individuals without the required pharmacy qualifications to the post of Registrar in several State Pharmacy Councils. The issue has drawn attention because the Registrar plays a central role in maintaining the statutory register of pharmacists, processing applications, verifying eligibility, and ensuring that the provisions of the Pharmacy Act are carried out at the state level.
According to the PCI, a number of State Pharmacy Councils have placed non-pharmacists in this position, which conflicts directly with the provisions laid down under the Pharmacy Act, 1948. The Act makes it clear that the Registrar must be a qualified pharmacist, as the responsibilities of the role require an understanding of professional standards, institutional compliance, and regulatory frameworks connected to pharmacy practice.
The PCI has stated that appointing a Registrar who does not hold a pharmacy qualification may compromise the quality and credibility of the registration process. The Council has also pointed out that such appointments could affect the broader professional ecosystem — including pharmacy education, licensing, and public health safeguards — if the oversight mechanism itself lacks domain knowledge.
These concerns arise at a time when the pharmacy sector in India is undergoing noticeable expansion. Thousands of students are entering diploma and degree programs each year, and a large number of institutions across the country offer pharmacy courses. In this context, maintaining rigor and transparency in the regulatory structure is essential. The Registrar’s office is often the first point of institutional interaction for a student or professional seeking registration, renewal, validation of credentials, or clarification regarding standard procedures.
The PCI has indicated that it may consider taking corrective action if State Pharmacy Councils do not align with statutory requirements. The Council has reminded state bodies that legal compliance in appointments is not optional, and any deviation risks weakening the regulatory foundation of the profession.
The matter also highlights a wider discussion within the pharmacy community about the need to strengthen professional standards, improve accountability, and ensure that governance structures keep pace with changing demands in healthcare and pharmaceutical services.
In essence, the PCI’s position underscores a straightforward but significant principle:
Regulatory bodies that oversee a profession must themselves reflect the qualifications, competence, and standards expected of that profession.
Maintaining this integrity is essential not only for upholding the law but also for safeguarding the credibility of the pharmacy profession and the confidence of the public it serves.