New Delhi: Soon, outlets selling medicines will be called “Pharmacy” instead of “Chemists and Druggists.” The Union Health Ministry is mulling such a proposal which is in keeping with the international practice and provides a sense of identity to the practicing pharmacists in these outlets.

In contrast, the term ‘Chemists and Druggists’ was coined in 1945 and is quite old and has lost relevance and also, at present the word ‘drug’ is looked upon as more clandestine and as addiction for chemicals, hence does not suit to refer a professional pharmacist, said a senior official from the Ministry.

“In order to give retail trade a better professional recognition, the Union Health Ministry will soon amend Rule 65(15)(b) and Rule 65(15)(c) of Drugs and Cosmetics (D&C) Rules, to replace ‘Chemists & Druggists’ with ‘Pharmacy.’ Once the amendment is done, all the medical shops in the country will be called as Pharmacy,” said a senior official from the Ministry.

The issue was deliberated in the 55th Drug Consultative Committee (DCC) meeting held in February 2019 and it was recommended to replace the words ‘Chemists and Druggists’ with ‘Pharmacy’ in Rule 65(15)(b) of the D&C Rules, 1945, he added.

Accordingly, the proposal was placed before the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), a highest decision making body on technical issues related to drugs for deliberation. “The DTAB discussed the matter and agreed to amend Rule 65(15) of the D&C Rules, 1945 to provide that all licensees in Form 20 and Form 21, they should display the word “Pharmacy,” explained the official.

As per Rule 65(15)(b) of the D&C Rules, the description “Chemists and Druggists” shall be displayed by those licensees who employ the services of a registered pharmacist but who do not maintain a “Pharmacy” for compounding against prescriptions.

Similarly in Rule 65(15)(c) of the D&C Rules, the description “Pharmacy”, “Pharmacist”, “Dispensing Chemist” or “Pharmaceutical Chemist” shall be displayed by such licensees who employ the services of a registered pharmacist and maintain a “Pharmacy” for compounding against prescription.