Parliament Question: Right to Primary Healthcare for Registered Pharmacists

GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE LOK SABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 2249 TO BE ANSWERED ON31stJULY, 2026 RIGHTTOPRIMARYHEALTHCAREFORREGISTERED PHARMACISTS †2249.SHRIUJJWALRAMAN SINGH: Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE be pleasedtostate: (a) whether the Government is considering granting registered pharmacists the right to provide primaryhealthcare andtoengage inlimitedpractice; (b) if so, the detailsandthe timeframe thereof; and (c)if not,the reasons therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL) (a) to (c): The Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015 regulate the practice of pharmacy by registered pharmacists. The Regulations prescribe various duties and responsibilities for registered pharmacists, inter alia, including dispensing medicines only against prescriptions issued by Registered Medical Practitioners, providing practical training to student pharmacists, maintaining patient records, ensuring patient confidentiality, promoting the rational use of medicines, adhering to professional ethics, and counselling patients to ensure the safe andeffective use of medicines. *****