Pharmacists’ Association threatens stir over registration issue

JKGPA president Sushil Sudan addressing a press conference at Jammu. — Excelsior/Rakesh
JKGPA president Sushil Sudan addressing a press conference at Jammu. — Excelsior/Rakesh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 25: Alleging un-necessary delay in registration of left over Pharmacists in Government Service, J&K Government Pharmacist Association has threatened stir if no action is taken within days.
Addressing a press conference here today, Jammu Kashmir Government Pharmacist Association (JKGPA) president Sushil Sudan said that the administrative department was sitting over the proposal forwarded by J&K Pharmacy Council for the registration of left over Pharmacists, who are in Government service since years.
While addressing he said that Government Pharmacists are suffering very badly due to revocation of Article 370 and extension of Pharmacist Act 1948 in the UT of J&K. He said that the Government Pharmacist/ Medical Assistant got registration from the State Pharmacy Council under Section 18-C before implementation of Pharmacy Act 1948 but majority of Government Pharmacists who posted in remote and hilly areas of UT were unable to avail opportunity from State Pharmacy Council as Registered Pharmacists after the revocation of Article 370 under new Central Act i.e. Pharmacy Council Act 1948.
“Due to implementation of Pharmacy Council Act 1948, many Government Pharmacists are unable to get registration from Pharmacy Council as they require prior registration by J&K Pharmacy Council,” he said, adding, a deputation of JKGPA led by him met Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Bhatnagar and briefed the matter in depth.
He said that the deputation also met three to four times to Financial Commissioner, Health & Medical Education to recommend to amendment to the Pharmacy Council of India to accommodate the left out serving Government Pharmacists of UT but no action has been taken by the administrative department despite recommendation of J&K Pharmacy Council.
Sudan once again urged the Financial Commissioner to recommend the just and genuine the demands of JKGPA before the appropriate authority to give justice to Government Pharmacists and bring amendment Section -32C of Pharmacy Act 1948.
He also threatened indefinite strike by J&K Pharmacist Association if no action is taken within days over the registration issue.