JAMMU, Jul 4: The Jammu and Kashmir Government Pharmacists Association on Friday held a press conference to highlight the long-pending issues affecting government pharmacists and appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Government to address their genuine demands without further delay. The association said timely action would not only improve the working conditions of pharmacists but also strengthen the healthcare delivery system across the Union Territory.
Addressing the media, the association demanded the restoration of the Retired Medical Personnel (RMP) facility in favour of retired pharmacists. It also called for the timely conduct of Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs), stating that prolonged delays in promotions have led to stagnation in the careers of government pharmacists and adversely affected their professional growth.
A major concern raised during the press conference was the continuation of Medical Assistant training in government and private institutions. The association pointed out that the designation of Medical Assistant had already been changed to Pharmacist through Government Order No. 803-HME of 1993 dated October 11, 1993. However, despite the change in nomenclature, the training programme continues, creating confusion within the cadre. The association said students undergoing Medical Assistant training would neither be eligible for registration under Section 32C of the Pharmacy Act, 1948, nor qualify for government employment under the existing legal framework. It urged the government to discontinue the programme immediately.
The association also sought the early restoration of two-and-a-half days’ salary to all employees of the Health and Medical Education Department. It further appealed for the implementation of Government of India Notification No. 388 dated June 10, 2026, relating to the Recruitment, Promotion and Service Regulations for pharmacists. The members said the Pharmacy Council of India has already sought recommendations from the Jammu and Kashmir Government before finalising the draft regulations, making it imperative for the UT administration to implement the proposed framework in its entirety.
The association expressed gratitude to Dr. Montu Kumar M. Patel, President of the Pharmacy Council of India, Chairman Sushil Sudan and members of the drafting committee for recommending a comprehensive pharmacy service structure, including the creation of posts up to the level of Joint Director of Pharmacy (Pay Level-12).
The press conference was attended by Bharat Bhushan Bhagat (President), Bahadur Singh (Senior Vice President), Shaffket Hussain (District President, Jammu), Surjeet Rajan (Block President), Ram Lal (Secretary), Kailash, Kuldeep Sharma and Rakesh Kumar. The association expressed hope that the government would consider their demands sympathetically and take appropriate action in the larger interest of pharmacists and the healthcare sector in Jammu and Kashmir.