National Pharmacy Commission – Centre Proposes New Framework for Pharmacy Education
National Pharmacy Commission – The Union government has proposed the creation of a National Pharmacy Commission to oversee pharmacy education, professional standards and institutional regulation across India. The proposed body is intended to improve the availability of qualified pharmacy professionals while making quality education more accessible and affordable.
Draft Bill Seeks to Replace Existing Pharmacy Law
The revised draft of the National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2026, has been released by the Union Health Ministry for public and stakeholder feedback. The proposed legislation would replace the Pharmacy Act, 1948, which currently governs the profession.
According to the draft, the Commission would work to strengthen pharmacy education, regulate training institutions and support the development of skilled professionals in different systems of healthcare. Its mandate would include modern medicine, Indian systems of medicine and Homoeopathy.
Focus on Research and Professional Development
The proposed law encourages pharmacy professionals to incorporate current developments in pharmaceutical sciences and life sciences into their work. It also seeks to promote greater participation in research, innovation and technology-related activities within the pharmacy sector.
The Commission’s headquarters is proposed to be located in New Delhi. Its structure would include a Chairperson, 15 ex-officio members and 13 part-time members.
Four Boards Proposed Under New Commission
The draft Bill outlines four specialised boards under the National Pharmacy Commission. These include the Pharmacy Assessment and Rating Board, the Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board, the Pharmacy Education Board for Modern System of Medicine, and the Pharmacy Education Board for Indian System of Medicine and Homoeopathy.
The Pharmacy Ethics and Registration Board would be responsible for maintaining a National Register of pharmacy professionals. The government also plans to establish a Pharmacy Advisory Council, which would be chaired by the Commission’s Chairperson in an ex-officio capacity.
Eligibility Conditions for Commission Chairperson
The proposed Chairperson must be a registered pharmacist with a recognised pharmacy degree and a postgraduate qualification in pharmaceutical sciences. The candidate must have at least 20 years of experience in the pharmacy sector, including a minimum of 10 years in a leadership role.
The draft also places restrictions on post-tenure employment. A Chairperson or member would not be allowed to accept employment, consultancy work or expert assignments for two years after leaving office if the matter involves an institution handled by them during their tenure.
Rules on Tenure, Removal and Asset Disclosure
The Chairperson and other members would serve a term of four years and would not be eligible for reappointment or extension. They would also have to leave office after reaching the age of 70 years.
The draft allows the central government to remove a Chairperson or member in cases involving conviction for offences related to moral misconduct, mental or physical incapacity, unsoundness of mind declared by a court, or financial interests that could affect official responsibilities. Members would also be required to disclose their assets when joining the Commission.
National Exit Test Planned for Pharmacy Licences
The proposed Commission would set standards for pharmacy education, examinations, training, research, faculty qualifications, clinical facilities and continuing professional education. It would also regulate tuition fee limits for different categories of pharmacy courses.
A key proposal is the introduction of the National Exit Test (Pharmacy). The examination would be required for obtaining a licence to practise as a pharmacist and for enrolment in state or national registers. It would also serve as the basis for admission to postgraduate pharmacy education.
The draft states that the National Exit Test would become operational five years after the proposed law comes into force. Candidates holding foreign pharmacy qualifications would also be eligible to take the examination to obtain a licence and register as pharmacy professionals in India.