The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has announced two new options for registered pharmacists to fulfill their Continuing Education Program (CEP) requirements for license renewal. These two new options were notified by a notification dated October 18, 2024.
1. Online Course on Rational Use of Medicines:
The PCI has partnered with the Biotechnology Research Innovation Council (BRIC)– Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to offer an online course on rational medicine use for pharmacists. The course was launched on April 30, 2024.
This program aims to equip pharmacists with the knowledge to promote responsible use of medications within the community.
Pharmacists can register and take the course through the THSTI Learning Management System (LMS) portal accessible online and via a mobile app. Upon completion, a certificate will be issued, valid for license renewal under CEP requirements of the Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015.
The PCI has also also published a circular dated October 18, 2024, providing a flow process for the registration of the course on Learning Management System (LMS) portal.
2. Upskilling and Certification Program with LSSSDC:
Additionally, the PCI has also joined forces with the Life Sciences Sector Skill Development Council (LSSSDC) to offer an upskilling and certification program funded by the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY 4.0).
This program targets 26,500 registered pharmacists initially in southern states, with the aim of enhancing their skills and qualifications for better performance in pharmacy settings.
Pharmacists who complete this program will earn a certificate valid for license renewal under CEP requirements of the Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015.
The program will consist of 30 mandatory hours (including orientation and mock assessments) and additional time for assessments and daily training sessions (minimum 2 hours, maximum 8 hours).
Both of these new options provide registered pharmacists with convenient and valuable opportunities to fulfill their CEP requirements while enhancing their knowledge and skills. The programs aim to contribute to improved medication use practices and promote the professional development of pharmacists in India.
