IPA Manipur Joins Nationwide Protest Against DTAB Proposal, Demands MSPC Elections

The Indian Pharmacist Association (IPA), Manipur State Branch, on Saturday joined a nationwide sit-in protest opposing the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)'s proposal to amend Rules 64(b) and 64(c) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The proposed amendment seeks to allow science graduates without pharmacy qualifications to obtain wholesale drug licences, a move pharmacists across the country have strongly opposed.

The protest was held at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai in Imphal under the theme “Save Professional Integrity, Protect Pharmacist Practice, Strong Law, Safe Nation.” Pharmacists and pharmacy students participated in the demonstration, expressing concern over the potential impact of the proposed changes on the pharmacy profession and public health.

In addition to opposing the DTAB proposal, the protesters demanded the immediate conduct of the long-pending election to the Manipur State Pharmacy Council (MSPC), stating that the absence of an elected council has adversely affected the functioning and representation of the profession in the state.

Speaking to media persons, IPA Manipur State Branch member and Drug Inspector Ronel Singh urged the DTAB to withdraw the proposed amendments. He argued that the handling and distribution of medicines require specialised pharmaceutical knowledge and expertise, which can only be ensured through qualified pharmacy professionals.

"Medicines are highly technical products that directly impact human health. Their management and distribution should remain the responsibility of trained pharmacists to ensure safety, efficacy and quality," he said.

Ronel Singh further warned that allowing non-pharmacy graduates to engage in wholesale drug operations could compromise drug quality standards and pose risks to patient safety. He emphasized that weakening professional requirements in the pharmaceutical sector could have far-reaching consequences for public health.

Addressing the issue of the MSPC election, Singh appealed to the concerned authorities to conduct the polls without further delay. He noted that an elected pharmacy council is essential for safeguarding the interests of pharmacists, maintaining professional standards, and ensuring effective regulation of pharmacy practice in the state.