Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Pharmacy Council (KSPC) has taken strict action against pharmacists who have been consistently absent from their duties at medical stores. The registration of 32 pharmacists has been cancelled as a result of their prolonged absence.

In response to the serious issue of pharmacists’ absenteeism, the KSPC has initiated disciplinary measures. The names of 16 registered pharmacists have been temporarily removed from the registry for a period of three months, while the names of another 16 pharmacists have been permanently deleted.

Additionally, the KSPC is actively enforcing Section 42 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948, which stipulates that only registered pharmacists are authorised to dispense medicine based on a doctor’s prescription. This measure aims to safeguard public safety in the distribution of medication at medical shops.

Under Section 36 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948, the Council has the authority to take action against pharmacists who neglect their professional duties. This includes removing their names from the registry for a specified period or permanently. It is considered misconduct for a pharmacist to allow the owner of a pharmacy to use their registration certificate in their absence.

The action against the 32 pharmacists was taken after due process, including hearing their side of the story. During inspections conducted by a team of Pharmacy Inspectors, it was discovered that several registered pharmacists were hired merely as a formality. In such cases, shop owners were notified of legal restrictions and the absence of registered pharmacists, as reported in a pharmaceutical journal.