Unmasking the Phantoms: India's Pharmacy Regulator Cracks Down on Fake Faculty

In a decisive move to restore integrity and quality within the nation's pharmacy education system, the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has unleashed a series of sweeping reforms. At the forefront of this initiative is the mandatory implementation of a biometric attendance system for all faculty members, directly linked to their Aadhaar identification.

This technological leap, coupled with a stringent new faculty registration policy, aims to eradicate the pervasive issue of 'ghost faculty' and fraudulent records that have long plagued institutions.

For years, the shadows of fake faculty and inflated staff numbers have undermined the credibility of pharmacy colleges across India.

Institutions seeking approvals or maintaining their operational status have often resorted to fabricating attendance registers and listing educators who either don't exist or are employed elsewhere. This alarming practice not only dilutes the quality of education but also jeopardizes the future of aspiring pharmacists and, ultimately, public health.

The PCI's new biometric attendance system is designed as a robust antidote.

By linking attendance directly to Aadhaar, the regulator can now verify the presence of faculty members in real-time, making it virtually impossible to register 'ghost' educators or manipulate attendance records. This system will serve as a crucial check on institutions attempting to flout norms and operate with insufficient, or even non-existent, teaching staff.

Complementing this technological crackdown is a significantly revised faculty registration policy.

Under the new mandate, every faculty member must now submit a sworn declaration confirming that they are not employed by any other institution, nor are they engaged in any other form of employment during college hours. This measure targets the widespread issue of faculty members working concurrently at multiple colleges or holding full-time positions elsewhere while still being listed on an institution's payroll for accreditation purposes.

These reforms are part of a broader strategy by the PCI to fortify the bedrock of pharmacy education.

Beyond attendance and registration, the council is also pushing for measures like direct stipend transfers to students and geotagging of institutions to ensure transparency and prevent the misuse of funds. The goal is clear: to foster an environment where only genuine, dedicated educators shape the minds of future pharmacy professionals, ensuring they receive the highest standard of training.

This aggressive stance by the PCI signals a new era of accountability.

The council's history has been marred by instances of fraudulent inspection reports and approvals granted on dubious grounds. The current leadership is determined to put an end to such malpractices, recognizing that the quality of pharmacy education directly impacts the competence of professionals who will eventually handle the nation's medicines.

By embracing technology and tightening regulatory oversight, the PCI is committed to weeding out the 'phantoms' and ensuring a brighter, more legitimate future for pharmacy education in India.