The Pharmaceutical Society of Kerala (PSK), a wing of the State Pharmacy Council, formed with a vision to enhance the pharmacy practices in the state, has approached All India Council for Technical Education to start a diploma course in pharmacy.
PSK intends to start the diploma course in M N V G Adiyodi Memorial Pharmaceutical Sciences College.
While speaking about the details of the course K C Ajit Kumar, Secretary of PSK said, "Some sections prefer the diploma course alone, so we thought it would be better to start that course too. In case they want to pursue the degree course, they can also do so after their diploma through lateral entry system. PSK is waiting to get the permission to start the diploma course. The foundation stone laying ceremony will be in the month of October during the death anniversary of MNVG Adiyodi. We will invite the Union Minister for Health to inaugurate the building".
He said that the college would be constructed on 5 acres of land in Pandheerankavu near Kozhikode in Kerala.
When asked about the future of the college KSPC president K M Ishac said "the college will adapt Pharm D course, because once that course is introduced, majority of students would prefer it due to the employment opportunity."
"Many students from Kerala who finish their pharmacy courses are moving into the Gulf to seek jobs. The only certificate accepted in Gulf region is Pharm D. We have to create awareness about the course and we are sure that many people would opt for it," Ishac said.
Speaking about the educational programme of the KSPC for the working pharmacists, he said that KSPC was conducting continuing medical education programmes throughout the state for registered pharmacists. This was in accordance with the order passed by the PCI.
"This is because there might be pharmacists who have completed the diploma many years back and would not be aware of the present developments in the pharma industry. We need to update their knowledge, as they are very crucial for our industry. We have been calling in for applications and the preference is given to the senior members. The council also gives them computer training with the aid of software called "Pharmasol Excel", which offers comprehensive training in drug and drug-food interaction," Ishac said.