Indian Pharmacists’ Association Manipur Holds Peaceful Sit-in Protest

Imphal:  The Indian Pharmacists’ Association (IPA), Manipur State Branch, organized a peaceful sit-in protest today at Keishampat Leimajam Leikai Community Hall, Imphal. The protest commenced at 10:30 AM and concluded at 1:30 PM with the participation of pharmacists, pharmacy students, and stakeholders from across the state. The protest was organized to highlight two major concerns affecting the pharmacy profession in India and Manipur.

The first issue was the proposed amendment to Rule 64 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, which seeks to include Science Graduates as “Competent Persons” in place of qualified Registered Pharmacists. The pharmacy community strongly opposed the proposal, stating that the responsibilities of Competent Persons require specialized pharmaceutical knowledge, professional training, and practical expertise acquired through formal pharmacy education and registration. Protesters expressed concern that such an amendment would undermine the professional identity, statutory role, and specialized qualifications of pharmacy professionals.

The second issue raised was the delay in conducting the Manipur State Pharmacy Council Election, originally scheduled for September 2025. The participants stated that the prolonged delay has adversely affected the functioning and representation of the pharmacy profession in Manipur and has deprived registered pharmacists of their democratic rights and participation in professional governance.

The protest received strong support from various pharmacist organizations, including the Meitei-Pangal Registered Pharmacist Association of Manipur (MRPAM), the Manipur Pharmacist Association (MPA), and the Senapati District Registered Pharmacist Association. Several pharmacy institutions, registered pharmacists, pharmacy students, and other stakeholders also participated actively in the demonstration.

The participants collectively appealed to the concerned authorities and the Government of India to safeguard the integrity, dignity, and future of the pharmacy profession by protecting the role of qualified pharmacists and ensuring the timely conduct of the Manipur State Pharmacy Council Election.

The event concluded peacefully with a united pledge from the pharmacy fraternity to continue advocating for professional standards, democratic representation, and quality healthcare services for the people of Manipur and the nation.