Lok Sabha Question No. 4465 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-19
Subject: ‘Dr.’ Prefix by Pharma D  Degree Holders
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Rajkumar Chahar

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4465 TO BE ANSWERED ON 19 TH JULY, 2019

## 'DR.' PREFIX BY PHAR MA D DEGREE HOLDERS

## 4465. SHRI RAJ KUMAR CHAHAR:

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 based on the modern practice throughout the developed countries, if so, the details thereo
- (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 p '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 degre 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 automa become  eligible  for  appointment  to  various  posts  where  a  person  holding  Diploma Pharmacy or Bachelor of Pharmacy or Master of Pharmacy qualific ation 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 ia.
- III. PCI has also directed various Councils/State Governments to consider Pharm. D as essential qualification for various posts.
- IV. National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) and Qualit Council of India have been asked to instruct all accredited hospitals to utilize the servi of Pharm. D degree holders for quality services.
- V. Tata Memorial Centre Advanced Centre for treatment, Research and Education in Cance has included Pharm. D in One Year Fellowship in Oncotherapeut ics.
- VI. PCI is already taking action to amend Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015 for inclu 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  Safet -Pharmacovigilance Associates by Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission.