REGULATION OF PHARMACY EDUCATION IN INDIA BY AICTE AND PCI- A SWOT ANALYSIS OF PRESENT SYSTEM OF INSPECTIONS
Dr. Revikumar K. G. and Dr. Veena R.*
ABSTRACT
Pharmacy educational institutions in India are forced to take approval from both All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) for conducting pharmacy courses like D.Pharm and B.Pharm by paying heavy fees. AICTE came into existence in India on 30th November 1945 based on a resolution passed by the Government of India, and PCI in March 1948. The PCI was formed based on the Pharmacy Act 1948 framed by the British during pre-independence period. In 1987 AICTE Act was passed by the Indian parliament (Rajya Sabha on 26th November and Lok Sabha on 15th December) as Act 52 of 1987. Since 1987, AICTE also became a statutory body. Various Indian High Courts have made it clear that after 1987, AICTE is in total control of Pharmacy Education. The quality of education, training and skill development are important components in moulding a new generation of competent professionals. As far as education is concerned, necessary infrastructure, well designed and regularly updated syllabus, proper mentoring and training, effective teaching methods and ability of teaching faculty to inspire and guide students are all important aspects. This paper critically analyses the pharmacy education scenario of India and the existing system of dual control. It evaluates the current systems of inspections of Pharmacy colleges by AICTE and PCI with respect to the objectives of pharmacy education. A SWOT analysis of the present systems of AICTE and PCI inspections of pharmacy colleges in the country is also conducted.
Keywords: Regulation of Pharmacy education, Pharmacy college inspection, AICTE Inspection, PCI inspection, Approval of Pharmacy colleges, Dual control of Pharmacy.
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