SHILLONG: The All Meghalaya Pharmacist Association (AMPA) has submitted a formal representation to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, seeking urgent attention to a range of long-standing issues affecting the pharmacy profession and public healthcare delivery across the state.
Speaking to the media, AMPA spokesperson Emos John Syiemlieh stated that a delegation visited the Chief Minister’s office to directly apprise him of the pressing challenges faced by pharmacists. Although an immediate personal meeting could not take place, the association submitted a comprehensive memorandum outlining their demands.
Syiemlieh cautioned that while AMPA is granting reasonable time for government action, any further delay or inaction will compel the association to adopt tougher, agitational measures.
The memorandum, signed by AMPA President Englebert Rynjah and Secretary Weshal Suting, highlighted several critical issues requiring urgent intervention.
Chief among these is the immediate request for an update and a clear roadmap on the conduct of elections for the Meghalaya Pharmacy Council (MPC), as well as the effective review and implementation of the Meghalaya Pharmacist Service Rules, 2025—both considered essential for professional governance and service security.
To address the operational burden on existing personnel, the association urged the government to expand recruitment and create more sanctioned pharmacist posts in public healthcare institutions, in line with Meghalaya’s growing healthcare needs.
AMPA also emphasized the necessity of aligning state healthcare staffing with Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) to ensure adequate pharmacist-to-patient ratios.
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For regulatory oversight, AMPA called for the creation and filling of additional Drug Inspector posts, stressing that enhanced regulatory strength is vital for the enforcement of pharmaceutical laws and drug safety.
The association further pressed for strict enforcement of the Pharmacy Practice Regulations (PPR), 2015, across both community and hospital settings to ensure pharmacy services in Meghalaya meet standards prescribed by the Pharmacy Council of India.
Additionally, the representation raised concerns about the Pharmacy Assistant programme under the Meghalaya State Skills Development Society (MSSDS), requesting a formal review of its impact on professional standards and patient care. AMPA urged the government to ensure any resolution strictly aligns with statutory guidelines governing pharmacy practice.
Reiterating their commitment to constructive dialogue, association leaders expressed hope that the Chief Minister would grant them an early audience to identify practical, long-term solutions for the welfare of the profession and the people of Meghalaya.
(4FrontMedia news)
