PCI Starts Aadhaar Authentication Integration for Enhanced Regulatory Processes

Last month, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) notified that PCI is authorised to perform Aadhaar authentication voluntarily for specific purposes related to digitising certain procedures.

The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has issued a directive to all pharmacy institutions, urging them to update data accurately in the Standard Inspection Format (SIF) and PCI portal based on Aadhaar card details.

This initiative aligns with the recent notification from the Union Health Ministry as the Council progresses in integrating Aadhaar authentication for faculties, pharmacists, students, and pharmacy institutions.

The Council aims to authenticate the data of teachers, pharmacists, and students following the completion of the integration process.

In cases of incorrect information or authentication failures, strict action, including legal prosecution, will be taken against the concerned institution and individual, as emphasised by the Council in a circular to all approved institutions. The vision is to implement Aadhaar authentication in the DIGI-PHARMed portal.

The integration of Aadhaar services with the 'DIGI-PHARMed' portal is a significant step toward complete digitisation of registration and enrollment services. The authentication process will cover pharmacists, faculties, students, and pharmacy institutions.

According to the Council, this integration will enhance user satisfaction, promote ease of processing registrations, improve productivity, and bring transparency to administrative functions.

The Council recently announced the launch of a revamped DIGI-PHARMed portal, designed as a cloud-based application to provide end-to-end services related to pharmacy education for various stakeholders. This move is part of the Council's broader efforts to digitise its operations and enhance service delivery.

On November 23, 2023, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) notified that PCI is authorised to perform Aadhaar authentication voluntarily for specific purposes related to digitising certain procedures.

This includes authenticating officials, faculty, and students on the portal, as well as capturing faculty attendance through biometrics using Yes/No and/or e-KYC authentication facilities.

The notification specifies that PCI must adhere to the provisions of the Aadhaar Act, Rules, Regulations, or Guidelines and follow the directions laid down by the UIDAI/Central government concerning the use of Aadhaar authentication.

It's important to note that the Ministry is in the process of finalising the National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023, which aims to establish the National Pharmacy Commission.

This bill also involves the repeal of the Pharmacy Act 1948 and the dissolution of PCI. The evolving landscape signifies a commitment to modernising and streamlining regulatory processes within the pharmacy education sector.

As the PCI strides toward Aadhaar authentication integration, the move is poised to bring efficiency, accuracy, and transparency to the registration and enrollment processes for pharmacists, faculties, students, and institutions involved in pharmacy education nationwide.