Registered pharmacists in Andhra Pradesh have raised serious concerns over a recent directive from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) that proposes allowing Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) to operate Jan Aushadhi Kendras in rural and tribal areas without a registered pharmacist.
The directive, dated February 23, 2026, asks State Licensing Authorities to examine the feasibility of this proposal, which has met with strong opposition from the professional community. Pharmacists argue that such a move prioritizes administrative convenience over public health and patient safety.
The working pharmacists emphasize that medicines are not ordinary commodities but powerful substances that require scientific knowledge and professional training to dispense safely. A registered pharmacist is essential for ensuring correct medicine dispensing, determining proper dosage, and identifying potential drug interactions. Without this professional oversight, there is a heightened risk of medication errors, adverse drug reactions, and the general misuse of medicines among vulnerable rural populations.
A major point of contention is the government’s responsibility to provide safe healthcare services to all citizens. Professional representatives argue that the government should be strengthening healthcare systems rather than weakening them by introducing shortcuts in specialized areas like pharmacy. They note that in many developed countries, pharmacy practice is strictly regulated, with medicines dispensed only under the direct supervision of licensed professionals to prevent public health crises.
The pharmacists have challenged the government's premise that a shortage of professionals in rural areas necessitates these restricted licenses. Instead of allowing unqualified personnel to handle drugs, they suggest constructive long-term solutions such as establishing more pharmacy colleges in remote regions and creating better employment opportunities within government health facilities. They also advocate for encouraging young professionals to serve rural communities by strengthening the overall healthcare infrastructure.
The professional community expressed alarm that the proposal reflects a gradual withdrawal of the government's duty to ensure safe medical practices. They maintain that healthcare requires trained experts who can provide essential patient counselling and ensure the ethical distribution of drugs. Introducing policies that allow outlets to function without these experts is seen as a dangerous compromise that puts the lives of citizens at risk.
Ultimately, the working pharmacists of Andhra Pradesh are calling for the government to empower pharmacy professionals and focus on systemic improvements. They argue that the focus should remain on maintaining high standards of pharmaceutical care across the country, regardless of geography. Their message to the authorities is clear that public health must always come first, and the specialized role of the pharmacist cannot be replaced by untrained personnel. |