A group of pharmacists from the state of Maharashtra who have a degree and higher education credentials (B Pharm, M Pharm, and Pharm D) have complained that the upper age limit of 25 is being purposefully imposed on the position of pharmacy officer in some central government departments, particularly in the Defense. Soon, the group of pharmacy graduates will write to all the PCI members and state SPCs to request their quick involvement in this matter.
According to Rushikesh Sapkal, convener of the organisation that will soon become a national body of pharmacy graduates, several recruitment agencies recently lifted the age limit to over 30 in ESIC, railroads, and CGHS, but the reform is not universal in all the departments. He informed Pharmabiz that the Union Public Services Commission has increased the age requirement for pharmacy graduates to sit for its examinations from 30 to 35. However, the Staff Selection Commission has not yet carried out the reform throughout all industries. As a result, many pharmacy graduates and post-graduates who completed their programmes after 25 or 26 years are ineligible to apply for examinations for the defence forces and CGHS.
Sapkal brought up an irregularity that occurred in a recent exam administered by a recruitment agency, claiming that the syllabus of the exam contained less questions from the field of pharmaceutical sciences. Under the CGHS, a pharmacist officer was needed for the position. He declared that the national organisation of pharmacy graduates would combat any unfair treatment meted out to them by governmental organisations and hiring committees. The pharmacy body will become a nationwide association, with Aurangabad serving as its administrative centre. Pharmacists Rights Committee (PRC) will be the association’s name up until registration is complete, but it is likely that this will change once it has received official recognition.
“We interpret it as a conscious effort by some recruitment boards to prevent highly qualified individuals from entering central services. Only when highly effective and qualified individuals enter the area will the quality of the pharmacy profession be strengthened. The Pharmacy Council of India introduced the Pharm D and recognised it as a requirement for any pharmacy professional position, although recruiting boards also prohibit them by imposing upper age limitations. According to Sapkal, the PCI has a responsibility to step in and resolve this issue.
He claimed that the same maximum age is making it difficult for pharmacy graduates to work for ISRO, BARC, NPCIL, and other central agencies. He claimed that diploma holders are favoured everywhere.
