Pharm D graduates fume as MPSC declares them ‘not eligible' for drug inspector post
The move sent ripples of anger and disbelief across the state's pharmacy community, especially as it came despite a 2019 gazette notification by the govt of India, which clearly states that Pharm D is an equal or higher qualification compared to D Pharm, B Pharm, or M Pharm for any pharmacist-related posts.
The Doctor of Pharmacy Welfare Society (DOPWS) and DOPA-MH jointly condemned the MPSC's stance and are calling for immediate correction of what they describe as a 'regressive and shocking step backward.'
"This is not just a technical glitch. It is a blatant violation of national policy and an insult to our qualifications," said Dr Vinayak Ghayal, president of the Doctor of Pharmacy Association – Maharashtra (DOPA MH).
"Pharm D is a six-year intensive professional doctoral program. To now suddenly call us ineligible is outrageous," he said.
This is not the first time Pharm D professionals faced such injustice. In 2016, a long struggle was initiated to recognise Pharm D as a valid qualification for Drug Inspector posts, culminating in a historic victory in January 2018.
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The current exclusion, say association members, feels like betrayal and administrative amnesia. "This is déjà vu," said Dr Pratik Shinde, a core member of DOPWS.
"We fought this battle once and won. Why are we being forced to fight again for the same basic right?"
DOPA-MH and DOPWS announced that they will escalate the matter to the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), the Maharashtra govt, the Drugs Control Department, and the Ministries of Health and Higher Education.
"We urge MPSC to rectify the portal immediately and issue a clarification that Pharm D holders are indeed eligible," Dr Ghayal said.
TOI tried to contact the MPSC officials, but in vain. A senior official, however, said that the error, if any, will be rectified as early as possible.
What is Pharm D?
Pharm D is a six-year doctoral-level course regulated by the Pharmacy Council of India.
It includes 5 years of academic education and 1 year of clinical internship.
Pharm D holders can use the prefix Dr in many countries, including the USA.
They are trained in GMP audits, drug safety surveillance, and regulatory compliance.
So, they are technically fit for a Drug Inspector post.
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