Archive · 20 Jun 2025
Nagaland Pharmacy Association Appeals for Policy Review Amid Pharmacist Shortage
Imagine you need medicine, but the rules say a special expert (pharmacist) must be at the pharmacy.
In Nagaland, there aren't enough of these experts.
The pharmacy association says enforcing this rule right now could close pharmacies because they can't find or afford the experts.
The government wants to make sure people get their medicine safely.
The pharmacy association wants the government to understand the shortage and delay the rule.
The government says they've given pharmacies enough time to find pharmacists already.
The All Nagaland Pharmacy Association (ANPA) is appealing to the state government for a policy review.
ANPA claims a shortage of pharmacists makes strict enforcement of pharmacy rules unfeasible.
The government is enforcing rules mandating registered pharmacists in all pharmacies.
The Health Department stated that they had already given enough time for pharmacies to comply.
ANPA is asking for a practical approach to protect public health without disrupting services.
- Who
- The All Nagaland Pharmacy Association (ANPA) and the Health & Family Welfare Department.
- What
- ANPA is requesting the government reconsider the strict enforcement of rules mandating registered pharmacists in all pharmacies.
- When
- The press conference took place on Friday, June 20.
- Where
- Nagaland.
- Why
- To prevent potential pharmacy closures and healthcare disruptions due to a shortage of qualified pharmacists.
Pharmacy Association
Health Department
Enforcement of Rules
Pharmacy Association
Enforcement of the rule is unfeasible due to a shortage of pharmacists.
Health Department
The government must prioritize public health and ensure medication safety by enforcing the rules.
Time for Compliance
Pharmacy Association
A phased implementation or temporary relaxation is needed until the situation improves.
Health Department
The government has already provided ample time for pharmacies to comply.
Temporary Measures
Pharmacy Association
Temporary measures like those for government health centers should be extended to pharmacies.
Health Department
No extension should be granted, as the department is prioritizing public health.
- Licensed Pharmacies
- 1,157
- Registered Pharmacists
- 278
- Pharmacists in Govt Facilities
- 252
- Pharmacists for Private Pharmacies
- 26
- ANPA Formation Date
- March 13 this year
- Show Cause Notices Issued
- May onwards