On the commemoration of Professor Mahadeva Lal Schroff’s birth anniversary, the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has officially designated March 6 as National Pharmacy Education Day. This observance not only pays tribute to Prof. Schroff but also acknowledges his pivotal role in establishing pharmacy education in India.
Background on Prof. Mahadeva Lal Schroff (March 6, 1902 – August 25, 1971): Prof. M. L. Schroff, often hailed as the progenitor of pharmacy education in India, stands as an exemplar for pharmacists nationwide, transcending branches and duties. His influence extended beyond the realm of pharmacy education, encompassing various facets of the pharmacy profession. Prof. Schroff initiated the M.Pharm Education at Banaras Hindu University in 1940, marking the inception of pharmacy education in diverse locations across India.
Insight into the Pharmacy Council of India: Operating under the Ministry of Health, the PCI is a statutory body established by the Pharmacy Act, 1948, to oversee pharmacy education and professional practice in the country. Enacted with the preamble, “An Act to regulate the profession of pharmacy,” the Pharmacy Act 1948 led to the formation of the PCI on July 9, 1949, pursuant to section 3 of the Act.
OBJECTIVES
- Oversight of pharmacy education for pharmacist registration under the Pharmacy Act.
- Regulation of the pharmacy profession and practice.
The Current Landscape of Pharmacy Education in India: The pivotal role of pharmaceutical education in fostering sustainable and equitable development in a nation cannot be overstated. Foundational elements of pharmacy education include extrabiologicalsynthesis, physicochemical studies, drug analysis, and manufacturing processes. The evolution of pharmacy education in India during the last century followed this trajectory.
In the 1940s and 50s, the proliferation of hospitals and industries in India created a demand for pharmacists and pharmaceutical chemists. Consequently, pharmacy education adapted to meet the needs of the industry and hospitals. Short-term courses like compounders or D. Pharm. were introduced to cater to hospital and medical shop requirements, while B. Pharm. courses were tailored for the industrial sector. In contrast to the patient-centric approach in the West, Indian pharmacy education leaned towards an industry-oriented model, with 55% of jobs in the industry sector and only 3% in healthcare.
PHARMACY BILL: The legislative journey of the Pharmacy Bill commenced on January 21, 1946, when it was introduced in the Legislative Assembly by S. B. Y. Oulsnam, Secretary Education Department. Although discussions ensued, the Bill remained pending until August 15, 1947, when India gained independence. In the Constituent Assembly of India (Legislative) on December 12, 1947, the Bill was revisited, and Rajkumari Amrit Kaur (Minister for Health) proposed its referral to a Select committee.
The Genesis of Pharmacy Education in India: The inception of pharmacy education in India aligns with the country’s transition to British governance. Until the mid-nineteenth century, pharmaceutical education and training were neglected, and compounders with minimal training handled prescription dispensing. The impetus for change came from the Medical College, Madras, in 1860, which initiated pharmacy classes to equip medical degree or diploma holders with pharmaceutical skills.
The transformation gained momentum when the founder of Banaras Hindu University, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya, invited Prof. M.L. Schroff to join BHU. In July 1937, Prof. Schroff introduced pharmaceutical chemistry and pharmacognosy as B.Sc degree subjects, marking a turning point for pharmacy education in India.
National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023 Unveils Significant Revisions:
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has proposed the National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023, aiming to establish the National Pharmacy Commission and deviate from the existing framework defined by the Pharmacy Act, 1948. This legislative initiative emphasizes a holistic approach to enhance the pharmacy education system, focusing on improving access to quality and affordable pharmaceutical education and ensuring a pool of highly skilled pharmacy professionals nationwide. The Bill is open for public scrutiny and commentary, encouraging stakeholders to contribute insights and feedback to the proposed changes.