Guwahati: The Association of Advanced Pharmacy Practitioners (AAPP) has urged the Directorate of Health Services, Assam, to withdraw the deputation order of the Verification Officer currently posted with the Assam Pharmacy Council, stating that the arrangement is no longer required.
In a written representation submitted on Friday to the Director of Health Services, the association said the Assam Pharmacy Council has now been duly constituted by the state government and is fully functional, removing the need for any interim verification mechanism.
The Association of Advanced Pharmacy Practitioners has asked Assam’s Directorate of Health Services to withdraw the Verification Officer deputed to the Assam Pharmacy Council. The body said the Council is now fully functional after its reconstitution and is legally empowered to handle verification under the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
Council Reconstituted, First Meeting Held
According to AAPP, the Verification Officer or committee was deputed earlier as a temporary arrangement when the Assam Pharmacy Council was not in place. The association noted that the first meeting of the reconstituted Council was held on February 4, marking the start of its regular functioning.
With the Council now operational, AAPP stated that all verification and regulatory responsibilities fall squarely within the Council’s statutory mandate.
Legal Basis Cited by AAPP
In its representation, the association referred to provisions under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the Pharmacy Rules, 1959, which empower a duly constituted State Pharmacy Council to independently handle registration, verification, and regulatory matters related to pharmacists.
AAPP argued that continuing the deputation of a Verification Officer despite the Council’s operational status goes against existing legal provisions and undermines the statutory authority of the Council.
Warning of Possible Legal Action
The association also cautioned that if the issue is not addressed administratively, it may be compelled to seek legal intervention. However, AAPP said it prefers cooperation with the health department and has requested the Directorate of Health Services to resolve the matter at the earliest.
No response from the Directorate of Health Services was reported at the time of filing the representation.
Why This Matters for Guwahati and Assam
The issue has direct implications for pharmacists and pharmacy establishments in Guwahati and across Assam, particularly in matters of registration, verification, and regulatory compliance. Any overlap or ambiguity in authority could lead to delays in verification processes, affecting pharmacists’ professional documentation and operations.
A clear administrative decision is expected to streamline regulatory procedures and avoid confusion between interim arrangements and statutory bodies.
What Happens Next
The Directorate of Health Services is expected to review the representation submitted by AAPP. If accepted, the deputation order of the Verification Officer may be withdrawn, restoring full regulatory control to the Assam Pharmacy Council. The association has indicated it will await an administrative response before deciding on further steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has AAPP asked for the Verification Officer to be removed?
AAPP says the officer was deputed as an interim measure and is no longer required now that the Assam Pharmacy Council is fully functional.
When did the reconstituted Assam Pharmacy Council start functioning?
According to AAPP, the first meeting of the reconstituted Council was held on February 4.
Which laws govern the functioning of the Pharmacy Council?
The Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the Pharmacy Rules, 1959, define the Council’s regulatory powers and responsibilities.
What could happen if the issue is not resolved?
AAPP has stated it may seek legal intervention if the deputation order is not withdrawn administratively.
