On this matter, PCI made a clarification, Pharmacist cant open pharma clinics in India.
This is in reference to various messages being circulated on social media, E.Mails, WhatsApp etc. that pharmacists are empowered under Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015 to open pharma clinics to diagnose the disease and prescribe medicines.
In this connection, it is clarified that there is no such provision in the Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015. Under the said Regulations, the registered pharmacist is required to dispense medicines on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner and can counsel the patient or caregiver on medicine to enhance or optimize drug therapy.
The elements of patient counselling may include the following -
(i) Name and description of the drugs;
(ii) The dosage form, dose, route of administration, and duration of drug therapy;
(iii) Intended use of the drug and expected action;
(iv) Special directions and precautions for the drug;
(v) Common severe side effects or adverse effects or interactions and therapeutic contraindications that may be encountered, including their avoidance, and the actionrequired if they occur ;
(vi) Techniques for self-monitoring drug therapy;
(vii) Proper storage of the drugs;
(viii) Prescription refill information;
(ix) Action to be taken in the event of a missed dose;
(x) To ensure rational use of drugs.
In view of above, it is again clarified that under no circumstances, the registered pharmacist is empowered under the Pharmacy Act, 1948 and Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015 to practice medicines or open clinics to provide medical care.
Reference :
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- By KateDrozd