Raipur, June 24, 2026: A significant shortage of pharmacists has been reported in government health centers across Chhattisgarh, raising concerns about drug distribution and medication management services. According to the Indian Pharmacist Association (IPA), Chhattisgarh State Branch, nearly 37% of sanctioned pharmacist positions are currently vacant, affecting the efficient delivery of healthcare services.
IPA Demands Immediate Recruitment
The Indian Pharmacist Association has urged the state government to implement the Pharmacist Recruitment, Promotion and Service Regulations 2025 in its true spirit and fill the vacant pharmacist positions without delay.
The association submitted a memorandum to the Health Minister, Finance Minister, Chief Secretary, and Health Secretary, highlighting the urgent need for pharmacist recruitment and better workforce management in the healthcare sector.
Vacancy Statistics Raise Concerns
As per the data cited by the association:
- Chhattisgarh has approximately 6,290 government health centers.
- There are 1,568 sanctioned pharmacist posts in the state.
- Around 578 posts are vacant, which accounts for nearly 37% of the total sanctioned positions.
The association stated that this shortage is creating serious difficulties in drug distribution, inventory management, and ensuring safe medication practices for patients.
Impact on Rural Healthcare Services
The pharmacist shortage is particularly affecting rural and remote healthcare facilities. Many health centers are struggling to manage medicine dispensing and pharmaceutical services effectively, potentially impacting patient care and medication safety.
IPA emphasized that timely recruitment is essential to maintain the quality of healthcare services and ensure uninterrupted access to medicines for citizens.
Drug Dispensing Must Be Done by Registered Pharmacists
The memorandum also highlighted provisions under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, which state that medicines prescribed by a doctor should be dispensed only by a registered pharmacist.
The association noted that allowing unregistered individuals to dispense medicines can lead to legal consequences and may compromise patient safety. Ensuring the presence of qualified pharmacists in healthcare facilities is therefore critical for public health.
Call for Implementation of Service Regulations
IPA has requested the state government to fully adopt and implement the Pharmacist Recruitment, Promotion and Service Regulations 2025, recently notified by the central authorities. According to the association, existing recruitment policies in the state contain inconsistencies and require revision to align with current professional standards.
Key Demands of the Association
- Immediate recruitment against vacant pharmacist posts.
- Implementation of Pharmacist Recruitment, Promotion and Service Regulations 2025.
- Strengthening safe drug distribution and medication management systems.
- Adequate deployment of pharmacists in rural healthcare facilities.
- Strict adherence to provisions of the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
Conclusion
Pharmacists play a vital role in ensuring safe and effective healthcare delivery. With nearly 37% of pharmacist positions lying vacant in Chhattisgarh, healthcare institutions are facing increasing challenges in medicine distribution and patient care. The demand for urgent recruitment and regulatory reforms highlights the need to strengthen pharmaceutical services and improve healthcare outcomes across the state.
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