Pharmacists' body opposes Rule 64 D & 64 C, seeks early council polls
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 13 2026: The Indian Pharmacists Association, Manipur State Branch, today held a protest meeting at the Community Hall, Keishampat Leimajam Leikai, demanding the withdrawal of Amendment Rules 64 D and 64 C issued by the Drugs and Technical Advisory Board (DTAB).

General secretary Sapam Sharatchandra said the DTAB's amendment allows individuals with a science background, but without pharmacy qualifications, to enter the pharmacy profession.

"This is unacceptable when many qualified pharmacists remain unemployed", he said, adding that the association strongly condemns the move and urges the Centre to withdraw the new rules.

He noted that representations had already been sent to the Union Health Minister JP Nadda, who had assured the matter would be examined, but no corrective step has followed.

The association appealed to the State Government to press the Centre for withdrawal.

The meeting also demanded immediate notification for elections to the State Pharmacy Council.

Sharatchandra said the council is to be reconstituted every five years, but the term expired in September 2025 and polls are overdue.

Delaying elections denies registered pharmacists their rights, he added.

Pharmacy professionals, registrants, and students attended the meeting, urging both the Centre and State to protect the profession and uphold pharmacists' rights.

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