Question : ‘Dr.’ Prefix by Pharma D Degree Holders

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether all the recognized universities have awarded ‘Dr’ prefix for 2018-19 awardees of Pharm D Degrees taking into consideration the six years advanced Degree Course of Pharm D based on the modern practice throughout the developed countries, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government proposes to expand the employment opportunities for Pharm D degree holders, especially ‘Clinical Pharmacist’ and other related fields in all Government, private and corporate hospitals, if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the timelines fixed in this regard?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a): The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has already issued instructions to use the prefix “Dr” before the name of the candidate while awarding the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy under regulation 18 of the Pharm. D Regulations, 2008.

(b) & (c): Some of the steps taken for the employment opportunities for Pharm. D degree holders are as under:
I. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued Gazette notification clarifying that a person holding the Pharm. D qualification, being higher qualification, shall automatically become eligible for appointment to various posts where a person holding Diploma in Pharmacy or Bachelor of Pharmacy or Master of Pharmacy qualification is eligible to be appointed.

II. PCI Regulation called “Minimum Qualification for Teachers in Pharmacy Institution Regulations, 2014” have been notified wherein Pharm. D qualification has been included as an approved qualification for various teaching posts in pharmacy institutions in India.


III. PCI has also directed various Councils/State Governments to consider Pharm. D as an essential qualification for various posts.

IV. National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) and Quality Council of India have been asked to instruct all accredited hospitals to utilize the services of Pharm. D degree holders for quality services.

V. Tata Memorial Centre Advanced Centre for treatment, Research and Education in Cancer has included Pharm. D in One Year Fellowship in Oncotherapeutics.

VI. PCI is already taking action to amend Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015 for inclusion of the post of Clinical Pharmacist with qualification, duties and responsibilities.

VII. University Grants Commission (UGC) has already specified Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D) degree as Master’s level under Section 22(3) of the University Grants Commission Act, 1956.

VIII. Pharm. D has been included as an essential qualification for Patient Safety – Pharmacovigilance Associates by Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission.