PCI president Montu Patel loses Gujarat state pharmacy council membership amid CBI bribery case

The Health and Family Welfare Department has removed Montu Kumar Patel from the Gujarat State Pharmacy Council, raising questions about his continuation as president of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). The action follows a July 23 order from the administration of Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, which cancelled Patel’s nomination and removed him from the council.

According to Medical Dialogues reports, the notification issued by the department serves as the first step in the process to remove Patel from his position as PCI president by cancelling his primary membership in the Gujarat State Pharmacy Council. The department’s action formally initiates administrative proceedings that may affect his current role at the national council.

Patel, elected PCI president in 2022, was also serving as the president of the Gujarat State Pharmacy Council. In July, he came under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after raids were conducted at his residence in Ahmedabad.

The CBI probe concerns allegations that Patel granted approvals to pharmacy colleges in exchange for bribes, manipulated inspection procedures, and issued irregular recognitions to institutions.

Documents and financial records were seized during the raids, and the investigation has been expanded to other states. Medical Dialogues reported that these developments have increased scrutiny of PCI’s operations.

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SC notes procedural lapses by PCI

The removal of Patel follows earlier criticism of PCI. In May, the Supreme Court had noted that the council rejected pharmacy college approvals without following due process and directed adherence to prescribed guidelines.

The developments coincide with ongoing discussions on reforms in pharmacy education regulation, including approval procedures, inspections, and recognition issuance.

According to DeshGujarat, the Health and Family Welfare Department has formally started the procedure to remove Patel as PCI president by cancelling his primary membership in the Gujarat State Pharmacy Council. These administrative and legal steps indicate that PCI leadership may change as investigations and review of council processes continue.