Pharmaceutical Jurisprudence and Community Pharmacy Practice

Historical development of drug legislation, Drug Act 2035, and relevant regulatory bodies.

• History and evolution of pharmaceutical laws and regulatory framework in Nepal
• Drug Act 2035 (1978) and its key objectives
• Classification of drugs and regulatory schedules under Drug Act 2035
• Department of Drug Administration (DDA): structure, inspection powers, functions
• Drug standard regulations and banned drug list in Nepal

Nepal Pharmacy Council Act 2057, registration categories, code of conduct, and disciplinary actions.

• Nepal Pharmacy Council (NPC) Act 2057 and NPC Regulations
• Registration of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Assistants (Category A, B, C)
• NPC Code of Conduct and professional ethics for pharmacy practice
• Powers, duties, and disciplinary procedures of Nepal Pharmacy Council
• Continuing Pharmacy Education (CPE) and registration renewal requirements

Narcotic Drugs Control Act 2033, National Drug Policy 1995, and National Health Policy.

• Narcotic Drugs (Control) Act 2033 (1976): definitions, control, legal penalties
• National Drug Policy 1995: objectives, rational drug use, local production
• National Health Policy of Nepal and essential medicines concept
• Consumer Protection Act provisions relevant to healthcare and medications
• Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and Good Storage Practice (GSP)

Community pharmacy setup, layout, legal licenses, Good Dispensing Practices (GDP), and cold chain.

• Role, duties, and responsibilities of community pharmacists in healthcare delivery
• Physical layout, space, equipment, and licensing criteria for retail/wholesale pharmacy in Nepal
• Good Dispensing Practice (GDP): checking, packaging, labelling, and patient instructions
• Cold chain management and storage standards for temperature-sensitive drugs
• Inventory control, expiry date tracking, and management of returned/damaged goods

Primary health care, OTC medication counseling, health promotion, and point-of-care screening.

• Community pharmacy in Primary Health Care (PHC) and immunization support
• Over-The-Counter (OTC) vs prescription-only medicines dispensing protocols
• Patient counseling for common self-limiting ailments (coughs, minor pain, diarrhea)
• Point-of-care screening services: blood pressure, blood glucose monitoring
• Health promotion, family planning advisories, and anti-smoking counseling