‘To curb oversupply, enhance quality’: PCP halts NOCs for new pharmacy institutes

ISLAMABAD: The Pharmacy Council of Pakistan (PCP) Tuesday stopped issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for new pharmacy institutes, citing concerns over oversaturation of pharmacy graduates in the job market and to improve quality of education.

The decision, taken during the 62nd meeting of the Council held on March 1, 2025, will take effect from May 31 this year, for a period of one year, with possibility of an extension. The moratorium does not apply to applications already submitted in full before the deadline. Vice President and Secretary of PCP, Sardar Shabbir Ahmed, said the move is necessary to address disproportionate number of pharmacy graduates compared to job opportunities, as well as to enhance regulatory oversight of existing institutions.

Pakistan currently has around 230 pharmacy schools, producing thousands of pharmacists annually. However, the growing number of graduates has outpaced job availability, raising concerns about unemployment in the sector. “The number of pharmacists entering the job market in the coming years is expected to meet the current demand, and further expansion may lead to unemployment in the sector”, said Sardar Shabbir Ahmed.

The existing number of pharmacy institutes has also posed challenges for regulatory bodies in ensuring compliance with educational standards. The PCP stated its limited resources and human capital make it difficult to effectively monitor growing number of institutions. “Many pharmacy institutes fail to meet the required faculty and infrastructure standards, compromising quality of education,” the Council noted. The moratorium aims to prioritise enhancement of education standards and student skill development rather than increasing number of institutions.

In addition to the moratorium, PCP has introduced key reforms to improve pharmacy education in Pakistan. The Council will engage an independent third-party firm to conduct compliance inspections of pharmacy institutes. This move aims to eliminate bias and ensure all institutions meet regulatory standards.

A new online portal is being developed to streamline application process and maintain real-time data on pharmacy schools, including number of enrolled students, faculty records and seat availability.

The PCP will maintain a centralised database of faculty members to ensure all institutions meet the prescribed faculty-to-student ratio. “The hiring process for independent auditing firm will begin this week, and the goal is to ensure transparency and accountability in pharmacy education”, said Sardar Shabbir.

The ban on new pharmacy institutes is expected to impact higher education sector, particularly private institutions planning to enter the market. However, PCP has emphasised its primary focus is to raise educational standards and ensure pharmacy graduates meet evolving needs of Pakistan’s healthcare system.

The decision comes at a time when the regulatory bodies across Pakistan are moving towards greater oversight and structured reforms to address concerns related to quality education and employment opportunities.