Pharmacists Against Three-Month Orientation for Drug Retailers (Nepal)
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Pharmaceutical students and members of the Nepal Pharmaceutical Association (NPA) have staged protests in the Nepalese capital of Katmandu. The protests are a reaction to a recent government mandate which would allow three-month training courses for prospective pharmacists. Six years ago, the government decided these types of courses did not provide sufficient instruction. As a result, they ruled all drug retailers must retain a pharmacist with a three-year degree in pharmaceutical science. Protesters have objected to the reinstatement of the three-month course, arguing it makes a three-year degree pointless and could compromise the quality of treatment received by Nepalese citizens. Government officials say they have contacted protesters in an effort to negotiate an agreement. The protesters have been non-responsive, announcing they will settle for no less than a sit-down with the minister. For its part, the NPA has offered a compromise. It has proposed that the three-month courses should be considered sufficient to work in community pharmacies; however, only students with a three-year degree should be allowed to run hospital pharmacies. (Click here for more