- Drugs and Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has given its approval to replace the words ‘chemist’ and ‘druggist’ with the term ‘pharmacy’.It will amend the Rule 65(15)(b) and Rule 65(15)(c) under Drugs and Cosmetics Rules so that medical shops can be called a ‘pharmacy’.
- Earlier,the description ‘Chemists and Druggists’ was to be displayed by those licensees who employ the services of a registered pharmacist but who do not maintain a ‘pharmacy’ for compounding which means preparing a drug specifically for a buyer,based on a prescription from his or her doctor.
- However,the compounding of medicines by registered pharmacists hardly exists in current scenario due to a capable pharmaceutical industry in place in the country.
- Further,this step is in concurrence with the international practice of calling a medical shop selling medicines by the name ‘pharmacy.The phrase ‘chemists and druggists’ was coined over seven decades ago in 1945 and has lost its relevance in the current scenario.
- DTAB is highest statutory decision-making body on technical matters related to drugs in the country.It was constituted as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act,1940.It is part of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
