Demand of Indian Railway Pharmacist Association’s to 7th Pay Commission

Following the Union Cabinet mandate on the 7th Pay Commission for salary revision of over 50 lakh central government employees and 30 lakh pensioners,  the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) is now going all out to support the Indian Railway Pharmacist Association (IRPA)’s request to accept revision of minimum pay.

In a communication to the Seventh Central Pay Commission, the IPA has insisted the need for salary structure and allowances revision apart from restructuring of posts and time bound promotions.

The new team at IPA, led by Dr. Rao Vadlamudi as its president, is keen to drive several initiatives for the betterment of the pharmacy professionals, beginning with Indian Railway Pharmacist Association memorandum to the Seventh Central Pay Commission.

“We at the IPA strongly support the IRPA memorandum urging the ministry to look into the issues of railway pharmacists and accept revision of increase in minimum pay structure and allowances, besides restructure of posts and ensure the announcement of time bound promotions,” stated Dr. Vadlamudi.

In spite of playing many important and versatile roles in the healthcare system, the salary structure is appalling. In fact what is observed is that various government departments personnel with far lower qualifications and non-technical posits are given higher pay scales than the pharmacists. This has de-motivated and demoralised the pharmacists, stated SD Joag, secretary general, IPA.

In order to derive maximum benefits from pharmacists, it is important to appoint and retain qualified professionals to meet the healthcare objectives. One of the best ways to retain efficient staff in an organisation is by offering respectable pay scales and good promotional policies, stated Joag adding that the 7th Pay Commission Board needs to favourably look at the pay hikes and promotions.