F.No. 1-37/2022-PCP
06-February-2025
Pharmacy Council Of Pakistan, Ministry Of National Health Services, Regulations And Coordination, Government Of Pakistan
Pharmacy Council of Pakistan Enforces Section 31 of Pharmacy Act 1967 – Official Notification Issued:
The Pharmacy Council of Pakistan (PCP) has officially issued a government notification emphasizing the strict implementation of Section 31 of the Pharmacy Act, 1967. The Act was introduced to regulate pharmacy practices across Pakistan, ensuring that only registered pharmacists are allowed to practice in the country.
Key Provisions of Section 31 of the Pharmacy Act 1967:
✔No person shall practice as a pharmacist unless they are a registered pharmacist.
✔The registration certificate must be displayed at the workplace.
✔Employers must ensure that only licensed pharmacists are employed for pharmacy-related services.
✔Violators will face legal consequences, including imprisonment of up to six months and fines.
Additionally, Drug Inspectors have been empowered under Section 32 of the Pharmacy Act, 1967, to ensure strict compliance with the law and take legal action against violators.
Why is this important?
This measure aims to protect public health, maintain ethical standards in pharmacy practice, and ensure quality control in drug dispensation across Pakistan. Please find the official notification below:
PHARMACY COUNCIL OF PAKISTAN
Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination
Government of Pakistan
F.No. 1-37/2022-PCP
February 06,2025
i. Director General (Drug Control) ii. Director General (DG &PS)
Primary HealthCare Department Health Department
Govt. of Punjab Govt. of KPK
Lahore Peshawar
iii. Chief Drug Inspector iv. Chief Drug Inspector
Health Department Health Department
Govt. of Sindh Govt. of Balochistan
Karachi Quetta
v. Chief Drug Inspector vi. Chief Drug Inspector
Health Department Health Department, AJK
Govt. of Gilgit & Baltistan Muzaffarabad
Gilget
SUBJECT: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF SECTION 31 OF THE PHARMACY ACT, 1967.
Reference is drawn to the subject captioned above.
2. The Pharmacy Act. 1967 has been promulgated with the primary objective of regulating the practice of pharmacy through establishment of the Pharmacy Councils and to provide for connected matters, Besides addressing other incidental matters, section 31 of the Pharmacy Act, 1967 deals with the pharmacy practice while specifying certain conditions in this regard. The relevant provisions are reproduced as under for ready reference:
31. Prohibition of practice without registration.- (1) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4), no person shall, after the expiry of five years from the commencement of this Act or such later date as the 1 [Federal Government) may, by notification in the official Gazette, specify in this behalf, practice as a pharmacist unless he is a registered pharmacist and displays his certificate of registration in a conspicuous place within the premises in which he so practices,
(2) Whoever employs any pharmacist for the purpose of any business in pharmacy shall cause the certificate of registration of the pharmacist so employed to be displayed in a conspicuous place within the premises in which such business is carried on.
(3) Whoever contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) or subsection (2) shall be punishable with imprisonment of cither description for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both./
3. Furthermore, section 32 of the act ibid, clearly empowers the Drug Inspectors to ensure implementation of this provision of the Pharmacy Act. 1967 and take cognizance of this offence by submitting a complaint to the court of competent jurisdiction. However, it has been noticed that the said provision is grossly being violated in all establishments leading to many issues jeopardizing the professional interests.
4. Above referred position in view, it is requested that the Drug inspectors operating under your administrative control may be directed to ensure strict implementation of this provision of the Pharmacy Act, 1967 in true letter and spirit in larger interest of public and profession.ingly.
Vice President / Secretary
Pharmacy Council of Pakistan
Ensuring Public Health and Professional Integrity in Pharmacy Practice:
The Pharmacy Council of Pakistan has urged all Drug Inspectors across Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan to enforce these regulations strictly. The presence of unregistered pharmacists in medical stores and pharmacies can pose serious health risks to the public. By ensuring compliance, the government aims to:
✔Prevent unauthorized individuals from dispensing medicines.
✔Ensure safe and professional pharmacy practices in Pakistan.
✔Strengthen regulatory oversight in the pharmaceutical sector.
✔Uphold public health and safety by maintaining industry standards.
All pharmacists and pharmacy owners are strongly advised to adhere to the law and register their credentials immediately to avoid legal action. Drug Inspectors have been directed to take strict action against any violations, ensuring the implementation of Section 31 in true letter and spirit.
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