Pharmacist Gets Rights to Prescribe Medicine 

Odisha Govt. is considering the proposal of prescribing medicines by Pharmacists in minor ailments (Panchabyadhi Chikista) like malaria, fever, URTI, skin disease, scabies, ring worm, helminthiasis, APD, Diarrhoea, minor injury without MLC, superficial burns without MLC and drainage of abscess.

Considering the acute shortage of doctors including Ayush and consequent deficiency in implementation of healthcare services the Govt of Odisha after due deliberations and on the well considered recommendation has decided to utilize the services of pharmacists to fill the gaps in healthcare service in the interest of public service.

Now, the Pharmacist in rural hospitals can attend to minor ailment and injuries of the patients including prescribing of limited range of drugs.

A Public Health committee under the Chairmanship of Director, Health Services, Odisha has proposed the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Department, Govt Odisha in this regard.

Dr. Mihir Kumar Kar, President of Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI) Odisha State Branch has welcomed the move of state Govt and told this would protect and elevate the profession of pharmacy into a higher realm of quality and efficiency. Speaking to The Pharmacist Mr. Shakti Nath Tarai, Secretary of Odisha Pharmacy Service Association (OPSA) expressed his thanks for this initiation. According to him in many places its the Pharmacists who are actually prescribing in the absence of Doctors. If policy is getting approved then they will be authorised which will improve the healthcare further especially in rural belts. Odisha Pharmacy Intellectual Forum (OPIF) has also appreciated the intention of Odisha Govt. to empower Pharmacists in public health, said Dr. Sruti Ranjan Mishra, Chairman.

Odisha Pharmacy professionals are dynamically moving ahead towards the empowerment and services in healthcare. Whole Indian Pharmacists are appreciating this initiation of Odisha Govt.