18/06/2026
The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), with the approval of the Central Government, has notified the Pharmacist Recruitment, Promotion and Service Regulations, 2025, published in the Gazette of India on 16 June 2026.
Key highlights of the regulations include:
🔹 A structured pharmacy service hierarchy from Pharmacy Officer to Joint Director (Pharmacy)
🔹 Recognition of specialized pharmacy domains through:
• Clinical Pharmacy Officer
• Drug Information Pharmacy Officer
🔹 Defined recruitment pathways, promotion avenues, service conditions, and professional responsibilities for pharmacy personnel within healthcare institutions.
For the Doctor of Pharmacy community, the formal recognition of Clinical Pharmacy and Drug Information services is a noteworthy development. These domains are integral to modern pharmacy practice and closely aligned with the patient-centered, evidence-based approach emphasized in PharmD education.
While the regulations apply to the broader pharmacy profession and are not exclusive to PharmD graduates, they reinforce the growing importance of clinical pharmacy services, medication safety, pharmaceutical care, and drug information support in improving healthcare outcomes.
The Doctor of Pharmacy Association remains committed to advocating for the advancement of clinical pharmacy practice and the meaningful integration of PharmD professionals within India's healthcare system.
Every step that strengthens clinical pharmacy services strengthens patient care.
📜 Gazette Notification: CG-DL-E-16062026-273486
