The Indian Pharmacist Association (IPA), Chhattisgarh State Branch, has urged the Chhattisgarh Government to immediately implement the Pharmacist Recruitment, Promotion and Service Regulations, 2025, and fill 578 vacant pharmacist posts across the state. The demand comes amid growing concerns over shortages of qualified pharmacists in government healthcare institutions and the impact on safe medicine distribution.
IPA Submits Memorandum to State Government
According to the association, a memorandum has been submitted to Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal, Finance Minister O.P. Choudhary, the Chief Secretary, and the Health Secretary, requesting urgent action on pharmacist recruitment and cadre restructuring.
The association emphasized that the newly framed regulations by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, were officially published in the Gazette of India on June 10, 2026. IPA has called upon the state government to align its recruitment policies with these updated national regulations.
578 Pharmacist Posts Vacant in Chhattisgarh
IPA highlighted that the existing pharmacist recruitment rules in Chhattisgarh are outdated and have negatively affected career growth opportunities for pharmacists working in government services.
Citing Administrative Report 2025-26 data, the association stated that only 1,568 pharmacist posts have been sanctioned for approximately 6,290 government health centres across the state. Out of these sanctioned posts, 578 pharmacist positions remain vacant, creating a significant workforce gap in healthcare delivery.
Concern Over Medicine Dispensing and Public Health
The memorandum also referred to Section 42 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948, which states that medicines prescribed by doctors can legally be dispensed only by registered pharmacists.
IPA warned that the continued shortage of pharmacists could adversely affect medicine distribution systems and expose healthcare institutions to legal and public health risks. The association stressed that adequate pharmacist staffing is essential to ensure patient safety, proper medication management, and compliance with statutory requirements.
Demand for a Structured Gazetted Pharmacist Cadre
One of the key demands raised by IPA is the creation of a structured gazetted pharmacist cadre in Chhattisgarh. The proposed cadre structure would provide a clear career progression pathway from:
- Pharmacy Officer
- Senior Pharmacy Officer
- Assistant Director (Pharmacy)
- Deputy Director (Pharmacy)
- Joint Director (Pharmacy)
The association believes that a dedicated pharmacist cadre will improve professional growth opportunities and strengthen pharmaceutical services within the public healthcare system.
Recruitment Drive and New Posts Sought
IPA has requested the government to:
- Immediately implement Pharmacist Recruitment, Promotion and Service Regulations, 2025.
- Fill all 578 vacant pharmacist posts through regular recruitment.
- Establish a structured gazetted pharmacist cadre.
- Create additional pharmacist posts in a phased manner based on healthcare requirements.
- Strengthen pharmaceutical services in government hospitals and health centres.
Benefit to Nearly 40,000 Registered Pharmacists
The association stated that implementation of the proposed reforms would benefit nearly 40,000 registered pharmacists in Chhattisgarh. Besides improving employment opportunities, the move is expected to enhance healthcare delivery, ensure safe dispensing of medicines, and strengthen the state’s public health infrastructure.
Conclusion
The demand raised by the Indian Pharmacist Association marks a significant step toward strengthening pharmacy services in Chhattisgarh. With 578 pharmacist posts currently vacant and healthcare facilities facing manpower shortages, the implementation of the Pharmacist Recruitment, Promotion and Service Regulations, 2025, could provide better career prospects for pharmacists while ensuring safer and more efficient healthcare services for citizens.
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