Expressing disappointment over the exclusion of the word “pharmacist”in the national healthcare policy (2002-07), experts felt the need for India to recognize the role of a pharmacist as an integral part of the healthcare system.
During deliberations at the National Pharmacy Week organized by the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) Karnataka State Branch and the Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy, S Raghuram Bhandary, additional drugs controller, Karnataka, said that the non mention of ‘pharmacist’ in the National Health Policy makes patient unaware of the role of a pharmacist in the healthcare system and his efforts to ensure safe and rational use of drugs. Even as the National Pharmacy Week with the theme as ‘Pharmacist: A Healthcare Professional’ is being observed, it is a matter of concern that the pharmacist is not given his due, said Bhandary.
Karnataka drugs controller, Dr B R Jagashetty highlighted the role of pharmacist in the prevention of spurious drug sale, and the need for transparency, integrity and accountability in practice of a professional pharmacist.
Calling upon the need to educate people on the presence of a pharmacist, D.A. Gundu Rao, president, Karnataka State Pharmacy Council said there was also a need for pharmacy professionals to go to the non-pharmacy institutions and highlight their crucial role.
Dr TV Narayana, chairman, IPA, Education Division said that for a pharmacist to get the required recognition, there needs to be a qualified pharmacy professional in the Rajya Sabha to address the issues of the pharmacist. While we have not been included in the health policy, efforts are being made to ensure it is done this year.
According to Prof Suresh Nagpal,chairman, Krupanidhi Educational Trust, the big benefits for the profession were the setting up of the drug information centre by the Karnataka State Pharmacy Council and the introduction of Pharm D by Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), which is seen as an ideal job-oriented course. He insisted on a similar pattern of courses for marketing and industry sectors to provide knowledge and confidence to new entrants in the field. In this regard, he called for a change in syllabus in B Pharm and M Pharm.
Prof Prakash Mallya, director, centre for Professional Advancement, Krupanidhi Group of Institutions, Bangalore, said issues of the pharmacist need to be highlighted and called for the need for a voice in the government.
IPA state branch vice president Dr. MD Karvekar was the guest of honour in the function. Dr. Prem Kumar, dean, Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy was present along with Prof. YV Gowda secretary IPA, Karnataka State branch.
The event coincided with the Golden jubilee celebrations of the IPA. The week long celebration was kicked off across the country on November 19.