PRESIDENT'S PROFILE

                MR. K.C. AJITHKUMAR became a registered Pharmacist in 1983. He has a strong background of good leadership quality acquired through the activities of student’s federation and as well as in youth organization, before joining in Govt. Service. He has served as the General Secretary of Kerala Government Pharmacist’s Association for 13 years, the oldest service organization as well as the strongest professional organization in the state of Kerala. During this period he was also in the leadership of FIPO, the leading national level Pharmacy organization.

Sri. K C AJITHKUMAR fought and won may battles for the recognition and welfare of the Pharmacists and the profession. He has also succeeded in making the Government aware that pharmacists alone are competent to speak authoritatively about drugs and drug related issues. He has led many campaigns and agitations against corruption in the field and faced many crucial challenges for the same.

Sri. K C AJITHKUMAR became the President of the Kerala State Pharmacy Council on 27th July 2007. Soon after assuming office he started revamping the activities of the Council and subsequently extended the service even to the rural populace. It was he who took the initiative to update the list of Registered Pharmacists by conducting a statewide identification and verification campaign. The culmination, which was the publication of the first authentic list of registered pharmacists in 2009. Only those who remained alive and continued with the profession were admitted into this list. As a result of the updation, the total number of registered pharmacists as in 2009 was reduced to 16625 which was 37000 in 2007. The number of QP Pharmacist also came down to 1/5th of the enlisted strength in 2007. All those pharmacists who were working in permanent post which do not require registration were also removed from the list. As a result of a yearlong effective campaign pharmacy profession in the State became a respectable one.

Sri. K C AJITHKUMAR could bring in many administrative reforms in the Kerala State Pharmacy Council. He has also become instrumental in introducing a lot of novel system to discipline the pharmacists and enhance the quality of their delivery. The following are some of the reforms he has introduced in the Kerala State Pharmacy Council.

1) Strictly implemented the mandatory annual renewal of registration which was lying loosely before. Now all the State Pharmacy Councils are forced to follow suit especially on account of the verdict of the Shimla High Court which upheld Section 34 of the Pharmacy Act 1948. The PCI, which was contemplating to implement 5 year renewal, was also forced to adhere to the annual renewal as envisaged in the Pharmacy Act.

2) Introduced relief fund for those Pharmacists who have to abandon the profession due to terminal illness.

3) Introduced White Coat ceremony for the first time in India for generating professionalism and discipline in the pharmacists. These ceremonies are now on occasion for the pharmacists share their experience and get refreshed their awareness in the pharmacy Acts and Rules.

4) Strictly implemented Section 42 which insists that only registered pharmacist should dispense drugs. Violation of which have been brought before the court for determent punishment.

5) Enhanced the wages of Pharmacists thru fold of the amount paid in 2007.

6) Set up 250 model training centers in the State.

7) Successfully conducted a number of CPEs

8) Successfully conducted National Scientific Seminars by participating eminent scholars available in the country.

9) Established fully automated online computerized office system. Also introduced a website for the kerala State Pharmacy Council.

10) Campaigned for the new approach on education regulation and its policies. Proposed Act amendment in tune with changing times.

11) Built up professionalism in Pharmacists.

He has pioneered many studies and surveys for strengthening the profession. He has been tirelessly engaged in implementing the section 41 and section 42 of the pharmacy Act, 1948 in its true spirit, ever since he assumed office. His consistent attitude on the implementation of the Pharmacy Act created many enemies and had caused even his cessation of membership from the Kerala State Pharmacy Council through an illegal movement form Government. He has fought for justice and which was finally duly acknowledged by the honourable High Court of Kerala through a historical verdict (WPC No.WA.No2651/2009).