To elevate professional standards for pharmacists in the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) and address the sector's longstanding demands, the Modi Government has implemented new recruitment rules mandating a graduation degree as the minimum educational qualification for pharmacist positions within CGHS.

A notification in this regard was issued by the Union Health Ministry recently. Till now, the qualification required for the pharmacists post in CGHS was a 12th class pass with science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) and a Diploma in Pharmacy from a recognized institution.

Additionally, the age limit for candidates applying for the post has been increased from 25 to 27 years, according to a recent notification from the Union Health Ministry. This adjustment is intended to provide a broader age range for potential candidates, making the recruitment process more inclusive.

Baldev Kumar, a senior pharmacist and central council member of the Pharmacy Council of India, welcomed the new RR, noting that they represent a significant shift in qualification requirements and age limits. He highlighted that candidates holding a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) degree from a recognized Central or State Government university or institute are now also eligible for pharmacist positions in CGHS. This inclusion acknowledges advanced qualifications and may attract highly skilled professionals.

Vikas Jain, General Secretary of the All India CGHS Employees Association, echoed similar sentiments. He stated that the direct impact of this change will be on the CGHS department. With the new rules, only graduate and experienced pharmacists will be eligible for positions. He called the decision a significant victory for the pharmacist community, which has long sought more respectable positions and salary scales commensurate with their qualifications and experience.

While the qualification requirement has been increased, the salary scale remains unchanged. However, Jain pinned hopes that a future pay commission may revise the salary scale to align with the new qualifications, leading to potential salary improvements.

Overall, these new rules are a positive development for the pharmacist community, aligning job qualifications with industry standards and potentially enhancing the professional status of pharmacists in the CGHS, said the pharmacists.

CGHS facilities providing a range of healthcare services, including outpatient and inpatient care, diagnostics, and medicines are utilized by central Government Employees, pensioners, Central Government Autonomous Bodies, Central Government Undertaking Employees and Certain State Government Employees.