New Delhi, Oct. 20 -- An unprecedented row has erupted between the Union health ministry and the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), a statutory body under the ministry, over recently notified regulations governing the recruitment, promotion and service conditions of government pharmacists.

The ministry has declared the rules invalid, according to a circular dated 12 October, saying they were issued without government approval, according to two government officials. Mint has reviewed the circular.

The PCI, which had published the regulations in the Gazette of India on 10 June "with the approval of the Central Government", maintains that it acted within its statutory powers.

The Pharmacist Recruitment, Promotion and Service Regulations, 20...