Druggist association opposes proposal to grant ‘restricted’ licenses to primary agricultural credit societies

The All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD) has opposed the proposal to grant “restricted” drug licenses in Forms 20A and 21A to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) across India.

In a letter to the Centre, the body has termed the proposal a matter of serious concern for public health, patient safety, and the national drug regulatory framework.

The central government is considering a proposal to grant “restricted” drug licenses to PACS for operating Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJK) in rural and/or tribal areas without requiring a registered pharmacist on-site. 

This initiative aims to expand access to affordable medicines (at about 50-90% cheaper costs) in remote regions.

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Opposing the move, AIOCD General Secretary Rajiv Singhal said the group has no objection to Jan Aushadhi Kendra centres across India, “but to open this flood gate for non-qualified people will be dangerous to the public at large”.

As of early March 2026, there are over 18,000 functional PMBJKs across India. The government is rapidly expanding this network, with a target to reach 25,000 Kendras by March 2027. These centres offer affordable, high-quality generic medicines.

These Kendras offer over 2,110 medicines and 315 surgical items at 50-80% lower prices than branded equivalents. Also special incentives of up to ₹2 lakh is provided to women, SC/ST, and other specific groups to open these centres.

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Meanwhile, the letter from AIOCD said that medicines are life-saving products and cannot be treated at par with agricultural chemicals. “Drug dispensing must strictly remain under the supervision of trained and registered pharmacists. Any dilution would amount to a risky experiment with public health,” the group said.

According to AIOCD, Rules 62A and 62B of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 were framed only for exceptional circumstances. 

The group added that at present there are adequate number of licensed medical stores and registered pharmacists available across urban as well as rural areas of the country and noted that large-scale issuance of restricted licenses is neither necessary nor justified.

AIOCD president J. S. Shinde explained that PACS institutions primarily deal in fertilizers, pesticides, and agro-chemicals. Storing medicines in such premises poses serious risks of cross-contamination and improper storage conditions. This directly affects patient safety.

The organisation also cautioned that dispensing medicines through non-pharmacists could increase misuse of antibiotics, medication errors, and contribute to national challenges such as Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

AIOCD has urged the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to reconsider the proposal in the larger public interest and to safeguard the spirit and objectives of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Their key demands include —  proposal to grant restricted drug licenses to PACS should be withdrawn immediately; no general advisory should be issued to States/UTs under Rules 62A and 62B for licensing PACS; and Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras should operate only from duly licensed pharmacy premises under the supervision of registered pharmacists.

AIOCD represents more than 12.40 lakh chemists and druggists across the country.