The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has released an updated version of its proposed National Pharmacy Commission Bill, marking the next step in a reform effort aimed at replacing the decades-old Pharmacy Act of 1948. The refreshed draft reflects input gathered from an earlier round of public consultation and has now been posted on the Ministry’s official website for renewed review.
Under the proposed legislation, a new regulatory body — the National Pharmacy Commission — would take over oversight of pharmacy education and professional standards across the country, spanning both modern medicine and India’s traditional systems, including Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy. The framework outlines governance structures, licensing procedures, a national exit examination for pharmacists, and mechanisms for institutional accreditation.
Citizens, professional bodies, and industry stakeholders are invited to submit written feedback within thirty days of publication. Comments can be sent by email to the Under Secretary in charge of the AHS Section, or by post to the Ministry’s Kartavya Bhawan office in New Delhi, referencing the bill by name.
Written By: Sayan Das
Graphics by: Pramit Hazra
