The Pharmaceutical Council of India (PCI) has decided to make students who have completed their education through the Central and State Government Open School Education System eligible for admission to D.Pharm, B.Pharm, and Pharm.D courses. This decision, taken at the 439th meeting of the PCI Executive Committee, brings significant relief to students who were earlier facing difficulties regarding admission and recognition.
According to the new rules, students who have passed examinations from Central or State Government Open School institutions are eligible for admission to pharmacy courses. PCI has also clarified that students who have completed or are currently pursuing pharmacy education through these Open School systems shall be considered eligible for registration as pharmacists under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, subject to fulfillment of other statutory conditions.
The Council has directed all approved institutions conducting D.Pharm, B.Pharm, and Pharm.D courses, along with State Pharmacy Councils, universities, examination authorities, State Governments, and Union Territories, to implement this order.
Until now, students from the Open School education system faced uncertainty regarding admissions, educational validity, and professional registration. This decision is expected to remove such confusion and streamline the process for aspiring pharmacy students.
Maharashtra organisation opposes PCI decisionMeanwhile, some organisations in Maharashtra have opposed PCI’s decision. Kailash Tandale, President of the Maharashtra Registered Pharmacists Association, stated that pharmacy education requires hands-on practical training, which may not be adequately provided through the Open School system. He expressed concern that recognizing such students as pharmacists could affect the quality of professional practice.
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