The legislation intends to clarify the legal standing of chemists in Jammu and Kashmir.
Rajya Sabha, Jammu On Thursday, lawmakers in Jammu and Kashmir enacted the Pharmacy (Amendment) Bill, 2023, clarifying the legal standing of chemists in the state.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya introduced the bill to the Upper House, where it was quickly approved amid a flurry of activity and nearly without a word being said. Once the Bill has passed both chambers, it will be forwarded to the Oval Office for the President’s signature.
The bill’s amendments included the addition of a new section 32C, which outlined an exclusive provision for J&K Pharmacy Act, 2011-qualified individuals.
With the President’s approval, the Bill would open the door for chemists who are qualified under the Jammu and Kashmir Pharmacy Act or who are registered under that law to become licenced under the 1948 Pharmacy Act.
Pharmacists in the nation must register under this Act.
The Bill was approved by the Lok Sabha on August 7, and according to the Union Health Minister, it would assist improve work prospects for young people in J&K. “Post Article 370, the situation in J&K has changed and these amendments will open the avenues of government jobs for the youth of J&K, where tele-consultation facilities are also available,” he had stated.
Any individual whose name appears in the register of chemists maintained under the Jammu and Kashmir Pharmacy Act, 2011 or who possesses qualification (medical assistant/pharmacists) as mentioned under the Act shall be deemed to have been entered in the register of chemists prepared and maintained under Chapter IV of the Pharmacy Act, as stated in the statement of objects and reasons of the Amendment Bill.
