Daily Current Affairs : 8-August-2023
Recently, a significant legislative development has taken place in India’s healthcare sector, as the Lok Sabha passed the Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023. This bill holds immense importance for the regulation and advancement of the pharmacy profession in the country. The bill introduces key amendments to the Pharmacy Act of 1948, which governs the practice and profession of pharmacy. Let us delve deeper into the notable provisions and implications of this amendment.
A Closer Look at the Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023
The primary focus of the Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023 is the insertion of a new section, 32C, into the existing Pharmacy Act, 1948. This new provision is dedicated to individuals who are registered or qualified under the Jammu and Kashmir Pharmacy Act of 2011. The bill stipulates that those who fall into this category will automatically be considered registered pharmacists under the Pharmacy Act of 1948. However, this recognition comes with a condition: these individuals must submit an application for registration within a year of the amendment’s implementation, accompanied by the payment of a prescribed fee.
Understanding the Pharmacy Act of 1948
The Pharmacy Act of 1948 is a comprehensive legislation consisting of five chapters, aimed at regulating the pharmacy profession in India. Some key aspects of this act include:
- Creation of Pharmacy Councils: The act establishes the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), responsible for setting minimum education standards, approving courses, and conducting examinations for pharmacists and veterinary professionals.
- Provincial Pharmacy Councils: These councils maintain registers of qualified pharmacists at the provincial level, ensuring the quality and competence of practitioners.
- Dispensing of Medicines: State governments are empowered to control the dispensing of medicines, ensuring that prescriptions are handled by registered pharmacists.
- Mandatory Registration: Anyone intending to practice pharmacy in India must be registered under the Pharmacy Act of 1948, ensuring a standardized and regulated profession.
The Significance of India’s Pharmaceutical Industry
India’s pharmaceutical sector holds a global reputation for its contributions and advancements. Some notable points about the Indian pharmaceutical industry include:
- India is the third-largest producer of pharmaceutical goods worldwide in terms of volume and the twelfth-largest in terms of value.
- The nation is a major supplier of generic drugs, offering affordable vaccines and generic medications that cater to global demand.
- India’s pharmaceutical sector supplies over 50% of global vaccine demand, 40% of generic demand in the US, and a quarter of all medicines used in the UK.
- A significant achievement is the supply of over 80% of antiretroviral drugs for AIDS treatment, solidifying India’s role as the “pharmacy of the world.”
Contributions and Future Prospects
The pharmaceutical sector is a substantial contributor to India’s economy, currently constituting around 1.72% of the country’s GDP. Moreover, the sector’s growth trajectory is promising, with projections estimating that the Indian pharmaceutical market will reach a value of US$ 130 billion by 2030.
Important Points:
Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023
- Introduces new section 32C to the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
- Recognition of those registered or qualified under Jammu and Kashmir Pharmacy Act, 2011.
- Automatic registration as pharmacist under Pharmacy Act, 1948, with conditions.
- Application for registration within a year, along with prescribed fee.
Pharmacy Act of 1948
- Comprises five chapters, regulating pharmacy practice in India.
- Establishes Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) for education standards, course approval, and examinations.
- Provincial Pharmacy Councils maintain registers of qualified pharmacists.
- State governments empowered to oversee dispensing of medicines by registered pharmacists.
- Mandatory registration for pharmacy practice in India.
Significance of India’s Pharmaceutical Industry
- India third-largest producer of pharmaceutical goods by volume, twelfth-largest by value.
- Leading provider of generic drugs globally, known for affordable vaccines and medications.
- Supplies over 50% of global vaccine demand, 40% of US generic demand, and 25% of UK medicine.
- Major contributor to AIDS treatment with 80% supply of antiretroviral drugs.
- India’s pharmaceutical sector contributes around 1.72% of GDP.
- Indian pharmaceutical market projected to reach US$ 130 billion by 2030.
Why In News
The Lok Sabha, in a significant legislative move, has recently given its approval to the Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023, marking a pivotal step towards advancing healthcare regulation. This milestone underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing pharmaceutical standards and access to quality medical services for all citizens.
MCQs about The Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023
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What is the primary focus of the Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023 recently passed by the Lok Sabha?
A. Introducing a new Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
B. Regulating the sale of pharmaceutical goods in India
C. Recognizing qualifications under the Jammu and Kashmir Pharmacy Act, 2011
D. Establishing mandatory registration for medical practitioners
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Which council is responsible for setting education standards, course approvals, and examinations for pharmacists and veterinary professionals?
A. Provincial Pharmacy Councils
B. Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
C. Medical Council of India (MCI)
D. Indian Pharmacists Association (IPA)
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India’s pharmaceutical sector is known for supplying a significant portion of which of the following to the global market?
A. Luxury drugs
B. Medical devices
C. Generic drugs and affordable vaccines
D. Surgical instruments
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