The Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh (PCB) is a statutory regulatory authority responsible for overseeing the pharmacy profession in Bangladesh. Established under the Pharmacy Act of 1995, the Council functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, tasked with maintaining standards of pharmacy education, registration of pharmacists, and ensuring the ethical practice of pharmacy services throughout the country.
History and Legal Framework
- Establishment: The Council was formed in 1995 following the enactment of the Pharmacy Act (Act No. 71 of 1995), which mandated a central body to regulate pharmacy practice and education in Bangladesh.
- Mandate: The Act grants the Council authority to register pharmacists, accredit pharmacy educational institutions, and enforce professional standards.
Core Responsibilities
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Registration of Pharmacists:
- Maintains a national register of qualified pharmacists.
- Issues practicing certificates after verifying educational qualifications and professional competency.
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Regulation of Pharmacy Education:
- Accredits and monitors pharmacy colleges and universities offering Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D), and related programs.
- Reviews curricula to align with international standards and national health priorities.
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Professional Standards and Ethics:
- Develops codes of conduct for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
- Handles disciplinary proceedings for breaches of professional ethics or malpractice.
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Continuing Professional Development (CPD):
- Facilitates ongoing education programs, workshops, and seminars to ensure pharmacists remain updated on new medicines, technologies, and regulatory changes.
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Public Health Initiatives:
- Collaborates with the Ministry of Health on drug safety, rational use of medicines, and antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Organizational Structure
- Council Composition: The Council comprises a Chairman (appointed by the government), a Vice‑Chairman, elected members representing pharmacy faculties, practicing pharmacists, and representatives from the Ministry of Health.
- Committees: Specialized committees address areas such as education accreditation, registration and licensing, disciplinary actions, and research.
Key Activities and Impact
- Accreditation: As of 2023, the PCB has accredited more than 30 pharmacy schools across Bangladesh, influencing the quality of pharmacy curricula nationwide.
- Registration Figures: The Council’s register includes over 100,000 licensed pharmacists, reflecting the growth of the profession in the country.
- Policy Influence: PCB contributes to national drug policy formulation, including the implementation of the National Drug Policy (NDP) and the promotion of generic medicine usage.
International Collaboration
- The Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh maintains liaison with international bodies such as the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to align its regulatory practices with global standards.
Challenges and Ongoing Initiatives
- Workforce Distribution: Addressing the uneven distribution of pharmacists between urban and rural areas.
- Regulatory Enforcement: Strengthening mechanisms to curb the illegal sale of prescription-only medicines.
- Educational Reform: Updating curricula to incorporate emerging fields like clinical pharmacy, pharmacogenomics, and digital health.
References
- Pharmacy Act of 1995 (Bangladesh).
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh – Official publications on pharmacy regulation.
- Pharmacy Council of Bangladesh annual reports (2020‑2023).
