THE PHARMACY COUNCIL

The Pharmacy Council has been established by the Act of the Parliament, the Pharmacy Act, 2002 (No 7 of 2002). The Council is composed of nine members appointed by the Minister for Health. The Council apart from regulating the activities of pharmaceutical services is the sole authority for registering, enrolling and listing all pharmacists, pharmaceutical technicians and pharmaceutical assistants respectively.

Functions of the Council

The Council is vested with the following functions as stipulated in the Pharmacy Act, 2002.

1.           To regulate and set the standards of conduct and activities of Pharmacists, Pharmaceutical Technicians and Pharmaceutical Assistants

2.           Regulate standards and practice of the profession of pharmacy

3.           Promote interest in, and the advancement of the professional of     pharmacy

4.           Approve institutions and curriculum for the training of Pharmacists, Pharmaceutical Technicians and Pharmaceutical Assistants

5.           Evaluate academic and practical qualification of Pharmacists, Pharmaceutical Technicians and Pharmaceutical Assistants for registration, enrollment or listing for the purpose of the Pharmacy Act, 2002.

6.           Foster cooperation between the Council and other institution or organization, whether or not concerned with the profession of pharmacy.

7.           Monitor and ensure the proper collection of fees payable under this Act

8.           Keep and maintain registers, rolls and lists for registration, enrollment and listing of pharmacists, pharmaceutical technicians and pharmaceutical assistants respectively

9.           Remove any name from the Register, Roll, List or subject to such conditions as the Council may impose, restore it thereto

10.      Consider any matter affecting the profession of pharmacy  and take such action in connection therewith as the Council considers necessary

11.      Carry out such other functions as may be conferred upon the Council by any written law or as are incidental to the performance of its functions under this Act

Operation of the Council

In order to execute its function, the Pharmacy Council has a Secretariat headed by the Registrar who is responsible for the day-to-day activities of the Council. The following is the operational cycle of the Pharmacy Council activities                                                              

1. The Secretariat submits a proposal to the Technical Committee and reports activities implemented between the meetings. Proposals can be either accepted or rejected by the Committee.
2. The Technical Committee forwards the proposal to the Full Council meeting for approval. Proposals can be either accepted or rejected by the Council.
3. The Secretariat implements the directions from the Council.