Legal Changes: Judges Issuing Rent Certificates Face Hefty Fines and Jail Time After 75-Year Amendment

In a substantial amendment to the Pharmacy Act, the Government of India has intensified measures to curb the issuance of pharmacist certificates to multiple medical stores in exchange for rent. Previously, pharmacists engaging in this practice faced a relatively modest fine of INR 1,000. However, the introduction of the Jan Vishwas Bill has now elevated this penalty to a substantial INR 1 lakh, marking a significant shift in regulatory enforcement.

Under the amended provisions of the Pharmacy Act, individuals found guilty of violating the rules by providing pharmacist certificates for financial gain will encounter severe consequences. The new penalty structure entails the following sanctions:

• First-Time Offense: Pharmacists engaging in the improper issuance of certificates for rent purposes will now face a substantial fine of INR 1 lakh (one hundred thousand rupees).
• Repeat Offense: For those caught in violation of these regulations for a second time, a significantly higher fine of INR 2 lakhs (two hundred thousand rupees) will be imposed. Moreover, the offender may be subject to a prison term of up to three months.

Stringent Amendments to the Pharmacy Act: India Cracks Down on Pharmacy Mafia

In a significant legislative development, the Government of India has taken concrete steps to combat the pharmacy mafia by amending the Pharmacy Act, marking the first substantial revision in 75 years. These amendments have been introduced as part of the Knowledge and Confidence Bill and are aimed at imposing strict penalties on those found in violation of the Pharmacy Act. The primary focus of these revisions is to deter and penalize individuals exploiting their pharmacist registration for illicit purposes, particularly in running certified medical stores.

Under the amended provisions of the Pharmacy Act, individuals found abusing their pharmacist registration to operate a certified medical store will face severe consequences. The revised law has substantially increased the penalties for such violations, replacing the earlier penalty of a mere INR 1,000 and a prison term of six months with a substantial fine of INR 1 lakh (one hundred thousand rupees).

Enhanced Access to Medicines in Rural Areas as Pharmacists Gain Authority

The Pharmacy Council of India, under the leadership of President Montu Patel, has announced a transformative development that promises improved healthcare access in rural villages. The government has extended new powers to both the State Pharmacy Council and the Pharmacy Council of India, facilitating greater pharmacy regulation and oversight.

Under the updated regulatory framework, pharmacists are granted the ability to dispense medicines in rural areas, thereby bridging the healthcare gap for underserved populations. This progressive step ensures that residents of villages can now access essential medicines conveniently from local village medical stores, provided they are staffed by qualified pharmacists.

Crucially, these amendments also emphasize stringent penalties for pharmacists found in violation of the regulations. For a first-time offense, pharmacists who breach the rules will incur a substantial fine of Rs 1 lakh (one hundred thousand rupees). In the case of a repeated violation, the penalty escalates to Rs 2 lakhs (two hundred thousand rupees), coupled with a potential prison sentence of three months.

This legislation reinforces the principle that medicines should only be dispensed by qualified pharmacists. It not only promotes healthcare access in rural areas but also bolsters public safety by ensuring that pharmaceuticals are handled by trained professionals.

Access to Quality Medicines for the Underprivileged Ensured by Regulatory Amendments

In a significant development for healthcare accessibility, the Pharmacy Council of India has taken proactive steps to ensure that even economically disadvantaged individuals have access to high-quality medicines. These measures come as a result of amendments introduced in the Jan Vishwas Bill under Section 26, which now extends its jurisdiction to regulate the registration of pharmacies operating on rent and the dispensing of medicines by teachers.

These amendments serve a crucial purpose: to ensure that the provision of medicines adheres to the highest standards and is carried out under the supervision of qualified pharmacists. The regulatory framework mandates that individuals receive specific quality medicines exclusively from registered pharmacists, guaranteeing both safety and efficacy.

The amendments address a long-standing issue, where the pharmaceutical industry was, in some cases, manipulated by unscrupulous elements, often referred to as the “pharmacy mafia.” With these new regulations firmly in place, such practices will be brought to an end, marking a significant shift in the healthcare landscape.