Ministry of Health Authorises Pharmacy Council of India to conduct Aadhaar Authentication

The notification emphasises that the PCI must adhere to the provisions of the Act, Rules, Regulations, or Guidelines related to Aadhaar authentication set by the UIDAI and the Central government.

In a move towards digitising healthcare procedures, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has authorised the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) to conduct Aadhaar authentication on a voluntary basis for specific purposes. This development is in accordance with the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits, and Services) Act, 2016.

The notification issued by the ministry states, "In pursuance of sub-clause (i) of clause (b) of sub-section (4) of section 4 of the Aadhaar Act, read with Rule 5 of the Aadhaar Authentication for Good Governance Rules, 2020, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare hereby notifies that the Pharmacy Council of India is allowed to perform Aadhaar authentication, on a voluntary basis."

This permission is granted explicitly for authenticating officials, faculty, and students on the portal. Additionally, it includes capturing faculty attendance through biometrics using Yes/No and/or e-KYC authentication facilities.

The notification emphasises that the PCI must adhere to the provisions of the Act, Rules, Regulations, or Guidelines related to Aadhaar authentication set by the UIDAI and the Central government.

Simultaneously, the PCI is in the process of transitioning its operations from the existing portal to a new website. This move is part of various initiatives aimed at digitising processes and creating a comprehensive database of pharmacy-related activities.

It's noteworthy that the Ministry is working on finalising the National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023, which proposes the establishment of the National Pharmacy Commission. The bill aims to replace the outdated Pharmacy Act of 1948 and dissolve the existing PCI. The draft bill has been made available on the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's website for public and stakeholder feedback until December 14, 2023.

The primary objectives of the National Pharmacy Commission Bill are to enhance access to quality and affordable pharmacy education, ensure the availability of high-quality pharmacy professionals across the country, and facilitate periodic and transparent assessments of pharmacy institutions. The bill also seeks to establish a pharmacy register for India and enforce high ethical standards in all aspects of pharmacy services.

According to the draft bill, the National Pharmacy Commission, headquartered in New Delhi, will be responsible for the coordinated and integrated development of pharmacy education. It outlines procedures for selecting the Commission's chairperson, 13 ex officio members, and 14 part-time members.

"The Commission shall take all such steps as it may think fit for ensuring coordinated and integrated development of pharmacy education and maintenance of the standards of delivery of services, with periodic revisions, as may be specified by regulations," states the draft bill.

As the healthcare sector in India continues to evolve, these initiatives signify a progressive step towards leveraging technology and ensuring high standards in pharmacy education and services.