Renting of PCI Certificate in India: A Serious Ethical and Legal Concern

Pharmacy
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The practice of renting or lending a Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) registration certificate for money has become an increasing concern in India. In this illegal practice, registered pharmacists allow their certificates to be used by pharmacies without being physically present or supervising medicine dispensing, which goes against the fundamental responsibilities of the profession.

Such acts are a direct violation of the Pharmacy Act, 1948, which mandates the continuous presence of a registered pharmacist during pharmacy operations. Certificate renting compromises patient safety, increases the risk of medication errors, encourages misuse of prescription drugs, and contributes to serious public health issues such as antimicrobial resistance.

The consequences of this practice are severe, including cancellation of registration, legal penalties, and long-term damage to professional reputation.

Beyond legal risks, it weakens trust in the pharmacy profession and endangers public health, highlighting the urgent need for ethical practice and strict regulatory enforcement.

MBH/PS

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A very valid concern raised!

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There are many pharmacies where the individual dispensing and selling drugs is not a registered and qualified pharmacist.

If he/she sells the wrong drug to the patient, it can lead to serious consequences, even death.

The solution to this problem is to slowly reform the system, inculcating values in recent pharmacy graduates that it is unethical to rent your license, and explaining the gravity of their actions.

Also, many graduates do this due to financial needs that are unmet when they are unable to secure jobs. So, reforms in the industry are needed to ensure that the influx of graduates are getting placed, which will curb the need to rent their licenses for money.

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Clearly explained.This is a very serious issue nowadays,Renting a PCI certificate violates the Pharmacy Act and puts patient safety at risk. A pharmacist’s presence is essential to prevent medication errors and misuse of drugs. the trust and ethics of the profession damaged and need strict regulation and awareness among pharmacists.

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