Ahmedabad: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has removed Montu Patel from his role as president of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) after his membership in the council came to an end.

Patel is facing allegations of corruption and irregularities. The ministry has instructed the Central Council of PCI to conduct fresh elections for the president’s post within three months. Until then, vice-president Jasu Chaudhari may serve as acting president.

In its order, the ministry said: “Currently, Patel is neither a nominated member under Section 3(h) of the PCI Act, 1948, nor a member of the Gujarat State Pharmacy Council. Hence, it is clear that he ceases to be a member of the Central Council of PCI, thereby also ending his presidentship of PCI. The office of the president is now vacant, and a new president must be elected by and from among the current members of PCI.”

In July 2025, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided Patel’s residence in Gujarat and his offices in Delhi in connection with alleged misconduct, including bribery and granting approvals to colleges despite non-compliance. He was accused of taking money to accredit medical colleges in Maharashtra, with reports claiming as many as 870 pharmacy colleges received approval within just 13 days.

Following a preliminary inquiry, an FIR was lodged against Patel and others under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. DeshGujarat