Manipur Pharmacists Protest Proposal to Allow Science Graduates in Pharmacy Roles, Demand Council Elections
Imphal: Registered pharmacists and pharmacy students in Manipur organized a peaceful sit-in demonstration on June 13, voicing opposition to a proposed amendment to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules,1945, and demanding the immediate conduct of the long-pending Manipur State Pharmacy Council (MSPC) elections.
The protest was organized by the Indian Pharmacist Association (IPA), Manipur State Branch, at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai Community Hall in Imphal. Held from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, the demonstration witnessed participation from registered pharmacists, pharmacy students, and other stakeholders from various parts of the state.
A major concern highlighted during the protest was the proposed amendment to Rule 64 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The participants opposed the proposal that seeks to recognize Science Graduates as “Competent Persons” in place of Registered Pharmacists for certain pharmaceutical responsibilities.
Members of the pharmacy fraternity maintained that the role of a pharmacist requires specialized pharmaceutical education, professional training, and practical experience obtained through formal academic programs and statutory registration. They argued that assigning such responsibilities to non-pharmacy graduates could dilute professional standards and weaken the established role of pharmacists within the healthcare system.
The demonstrators also expressed concern over the delay in conducting elections to the Manipur State Pharmacy Council. According to the participants, the elections were originally scheduled for September 2025 but have yet to be held. They stated that the prolonged postponement has affected the representation of pharmacists in the state and deprived registered members of the opportunity to participate in professional governance.
Several pharmacist organizations extended their support to the agitation, including the Meitei-Pangal Registered Pharmacist Association of Manipur (MRPAM), the Manipur Pharmacist Association (MPA), and the Senapati District Registered Pharmacist Association. Representatives from pharmacy institutions and students also joined the demonstration.
According to a recent media report by India Today NE, participants in the protest urged the Government of India and other concerned authorities to protect the professional role of qualified pharmacists and ensure that the Manipur State Pharmacy Council elections are conducted without further delay. They emphasized that preserving professional standards in pharmacy practice and ensuring adequate representation of registered pharmacists are essential for effective governance of the profession.
The programme concluded peacefully, with participants reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding professional standards, strengthening democratic representation within the pharmacy profession, and promoting quality healthcare services across Manipur.
