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Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
TOI Impact: MPSC Allows Pharm D Graduates To Apply For Drug Inspector Post
Nagpur: In a major victory for hundreds of Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) graduates across Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has officially included Pharm D in the eligibility criteria for the coveted Drug Inspector post. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The decision came just days after an intense uproar from the Pharm D community, reported by TOI, over their unexpected exclusion from the recruitment process. The notification, issued late on August 14, followed a meeting between top representatives of the Doctor of Pharmacy Association – Maharashtra (DOPA MH), and MPSC secretary Dr Suvarna Kharat in Mumbai. "This is a historic moment for our profession. The inclusion of Pharm D is not just a policy correction — it's a recognition of our rightful place in drug regulation and public health," said Dr Vinayak Ghayal, president, DOPA MH. When MPSC's earlier advertisement for the Drug Inspector post excluded Pharm D graduates from the list of eligible candidates, it sparked outrage and concern within the community. Many applicants found the online portal automatically rejecting their applications. TOI first reported the outrage on August 5, highlighting the contradiction between the MPSC stance and the 2019 Central Govt Gazette notification that recognises Pharm D as equivalent or higher than DPharm, BPharm, and MPharm. Following the report, DOPA MH immediately mobilised statewide efforts. Its Amravati branch members visited the district collector's office to submit formal representations. Beed branch met Dr Yogesh Kshirsagar and later the state's deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, securing his support. Nashik branch also submitted appeals to the district collector. At the state level, association leaders conducted daily follow-ups with MPSC, submitted multiple written representations, and engaged policymakers to push for change. On August 13, a high-level DOPA MH delegation, including president Dr Ghayal, secretary Dr Manoj Pisure, treasurer Dr Swapnil Munde, vice secretary Dr Pratik Shinde, and regional representatives, met MPSC secretary Dr Kharat in Mumbai. The meeting ended with a positive assurance, and by the evening, MPSC issued the revised notification, including Pharm D as eligible. "This is a victory for every Pharm D student, graduate, and faculty member who stood united," said Dr Munde. "It also sets a precedent for future recruitment processes to respect the national recognition of our degree," he said.
Time of India
04-08-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Pharm D graduates fume as MPSC declares them ‘not eligible' for drug inspector post
Nagpur: Hundreds of highly qualified Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) degree holders in Maharashtra were left shocked and outraged after the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) portal began rejecting their applications for the 2025 drug inspector recruitment, declaring them 'not eligible' for the 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime Techno Mag Learn More Undo 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.
