The Karnataka Registered Pharmacists Association (KRPA) has officially requested the resignation of Dr. Montu Patel, President of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), in light of an ongoing CBI investigation into alleged misconduct.
In a letter addressed to Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, KRPA President Dr. Kaushik Devaraju expressed serious concern over the credibility and ethical standards of the apex pharmacy regulatory body. The association cited the ongoing CBI raids and investigations involving Dr. Patel as a major blow to the pharmacy profession’s reputation and integrity across the country.
“These developments have shaken the confidence of the pharmacy community nationwide,” wrote Dr. Devaraju, urging the Ministry to take immediate action by seeking Dr. Patel’s resignation from his post until the conclusion of the investigation and judicial proceedings.
KRPA emphasized that the Pharmacy Council of India holds a vital role in shaping the future of pharmacy education and practice in India. Any leadership under scrutiny, they argued, risks damaging the public trust placed in the institution by students, academicians, and professionals alike.
The association believes that Dr. Patel stepping aside temporarily would demonstrate accountability and good governance, reinforcing public faith in the fairness of the investigation.
The letter has also been copied to top constitutional and government leaders including President Smt. Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Additional Secretary Shri Amit Singh Negi, and Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Jadhav and Smt. Anupriya Patel.
Dr. Devaraju concluded the letter by seeking urgent and appropriate action in the interest of public welfare and the dignity of the pharmacy profession.
