Health Ministry Allows Pharmacy Council of India Access to Aadhaar-Based Attendance System
Pharmacy Council of India can access the attendance data of officials, faculty and students of the Pharmacy Council of India-approved pharmacy colleges online from the centralised Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System. Further, PCI must adhere to the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, rules, regulations, or guidelines made thereunder and directions issued with respect to the use of Aadhaar authentication as laid down by the Unique Identification Authority of India or Central Government.
PCI Tightens Inspection Guidelines for Pharmacy Institutions
Inspectors must verify that the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) is installed and compliant with the Gazette Notification dated 24.11.2024 and PCI guidelines. Inspectors must confirm that faculty members who have given consent to an institution are considered faculty only for that specific institution.
Pharmacy Institutions Must Acquire UIDAI-Whitelisted Devices
All approved pharmacy institutions are required to purchase AEBAS devices whitelisted on UIDAI servers to enable secure Aadhaar authentication. Institutions are obligated to upload details of their acquired AEBAS devices onto the dedicated AEBAS section of the DIGI-PHARMed Portal.
PCI Halts Attendance Portal Marking, Will Announce Centralized System
The PCI has noted that many institutions have begun registration/onboarding on the attendance portal. However, all activities related to attendance marking and onboarding/registration on any attendance portal are now suspended until further notice.
Pharmacy Council of India Mandates Aadhaar-Based Attendance System for Staff
The AEBAS implementation aims to enhance transparency and accountability in attendance monitoring for pharmacy institutions’ staff. This initiative comes into effect for the upcoming academic session, and further guidelines are expected from the PCI.
Pre-Ayurveda-Programme for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery Regulations
The Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) program will be a seven-and-a-half-year course, including a two-year pre-Ayurveda program. The institutions will follow the Gurukulam model, focusing on traditional values and holistic education. All Ayurveda Gurukulams will be affiliated with the Central Sanskrit University. The number of Gurukulams will be determined based on population and regional needs.
Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani Colleges To Be Connected With AEBAS
These medical colleges and teaching hospitals will be required to implement a centralized Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System to track the attendance of teaching staff, non-teaching staff, hospital staff, postgraduate students, and interns. The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) will have access to this data for analysis.
Advance Declaration of Holidays To Medical Colleges in AEBAS Module
Medical colleges are now mandated to input details of gazetted holidays and local administrative holidays in advance for the entire calendar year/semester. Retroactive updates to AEBAS data for holidays, leaves, and vacations are strictly prohibited. Any failure to comply with these guidelines may result in serious action against the medical college.
NMC creates Communication Channels for AEBAS, HMIS and CCTV Implementation
The NMC aims to address queries promptly, foster collaboration between the commission and stakeholders through clear communication channels. This will help in the successful implementation of AEBAS, HMIS and CCTV systems.
