March 17: The Drugs Regulatory Authority (DRA) of the Health Ministry says owners of wholesale and retail pharmaceutical stores should have undergone at least a two year course in pharmacy.

It says this is required as per the provisions of the Bhutan Medicines and Health Council. It will come into effect from January 2010.

Officials from DRA say since medicine is one of the regulated products worldwide, it is important for owners of pharmaceutical shops to be trained. They say owners should be in a position to prescribe the right medicine.

The owners also have to register with Bhutan Medical and Health Council to run a pharmaceutical shop.