Bengaluru, April 9, 2025 – In a significant move to address years of alleged mismanagement, the Karnataka government has dissolved the Karnataka State Pharmacy Council (KSPC) and appointed the Commissioner of Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) as its administrator. The decision follows persistent efforts by the Karnataka Chemists & Druggists Association (KCDA) and a damning government inquiry exposing systemic irregularities, including failure to conduct elections for nearly two decades, illegal appointments, and misuse of power.
KCDA’s Advocacy Triggers Government Action
The KCDA played a pivotal role in highlighting governance lapses within KSPC. A.K. Jeevan, secretary of the association, revealed that multiple complaints were lodged with the state FDA commissioner and health department, citing suspicious activities during registration renewals, attempts to exclude non-life members from elections, and unauthorized appointments of pharmacy inspectors.
“We urged the government to dissolve the council’s governing body and appoint an administrator to restore accountability. The government’s prompt action reflects its commitment to ethical pharmaceutical practices,” said Jeevan.
Decades of Mismanagement Uncovered
A detailed FDA report exposed alarming irregularities within KSPC:
- Election Failures: Despite being operational for 16 years, the council last held elections two decades ago, with two members unlawfully retaining power. Five government-nominated members continued beyond their 2021 term without reappointment orders.
- Illegal Appointments: In 2022, KSPC recruited 10 pharmacy inspectors on contract but flouted conditions by bypassing salary approvals, ignoring reservation policies, and appointing Dr. Kranti Kumar Sirse without government consent.
- Regulatory Negligence: KSPC failed to maintain updated pharmacist registries, allowing unqualified personnel to handle drugs, and repeatedly obstructed election attempts in 2016, 2017, and 2022.
Road to Reform
The FDA Commissioner, now serving as administrator, faces the task of overhauling KSPC’s operations. Stakeholders anticipate stricter compliance with the Pharmacy Act, transparent elections, and ethical governance. Jeevan expressed optimism, stating, “This intervention will ensure the council fulfills its mandate to safeguard public health and uphold pharmacist standards.”
Implications for Karnataka’s Pharma Sector
The dissolution marks a critical step toward accountability in Karnataka’s pharmaceutical regulatory framework. With over 90,000 registered pharmacists in the state, the move aims to rebuild trust and ensure drug distribution remains in qualified hands.
Industry experts and associations will closely monitor the administrator’s next steps, including potential electoral reforms and corrective measures for past violations.
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