It is for the first time in the history of Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC) such a unique - at the same time very crucial - subject has been picked up for discussion. The theme of the 54th IPC, "Biotechnology - A Challenge to Pharmacy Profession" is not only a new topic but a very vital matter for discussion as well at this juncture. The big question in front of the pharmacy profession today is that how prepared is the profession and the curriculum to accept the shift of the currently followed pharmaceutical methodology to the emerging area of biological medicines.

Since the mission is clear to the organizers, the IPC 2002 would dedicate almost 70 per cent of its symposia, plenary lectures, discussion only on Biotechnology and the related areas. The subject matter, which would be closely analyzing areas like research and development, production, quality assurance, storage conditions, education, and regulatory affairs in a biotechnology dominated era.

It is predicted that almost 70 per cent of drugs after 10 years will belong to biotechnology. It indicates that vaccines and sera will rule the market as genomic studies is advancing toward predicting the human diseases by identifying the gene. With this, it can be predicted today that what type of disease one will suffer after 5 years and on that line the treatment will be given. It will be mainly by giving vaccines and sera to build immunity in the body to prevent the disease of future.

Hence, it is indeed that a number of concepts and technology will be discussed and evolved in the Congress and what should be the pharmacy syllabus in the biotechnology era will be the outcome.

The Pune IPC is again the fulfillment of a long cherished dream of the local branch of Indian Pharmaceutical Association. Aiming at this achievement we have conducted as many as 160 programmes inviting experts in pharmaceutical industry, education, marketing, and consultancy. Over the last 14 years pharmacy profession in Pune has also grown up to a level to make the candidature strong for conducting such an important and historical event with the help of the parent body.

Currently in Pune, there are more than 35 pharmaceutical units, which together contributes Rs 1,300 crore worth of medicines, around 2,500 retail pharmacist and as many as 300 distributors. More than 50 hospital pharmacists and 9 degree pharmacy colleges and one diploma college making the foundation very strong. Right from history, Pune is an education centre and today called as student paradise as there are many leading educational institutions contributing for quality education.

Besides, the highlights of the 54th IPC are many as its scientific programme include 20 symposiums, 8 plenary sessions, 4 memorial lectures and total 76 speakers going to take part, out of which 26 are internationally renowned personalities. This IPC expects more than 5,000 delegates to be registered. For the 2,000 students delegates, an exclusive convention is planned to guide them regarding their career in biotechno-logy marketing, R&D, jobs abroad. It is also for the first time, more than 1,000 retail pharmacist are coming as delegates and pharmaceutical care services will be emphasized as a new beginning in pharmacy profession in the country.

In addition, 1,000 oral and posters presentations will be made by R&D and academic institutes. First time in the Cong-ress a multimedia presentation using LCD and professional display for poster presentation has been organized. The exhibition organized by FICCI would facilitate more than 200 exhibitors to demonstrate latest equipments, instruments and technology. Small pharmacy world will be displayed and 20 per cent exhibitors are coming from abroad. During this event, a consumers health symposium is planned and leading doctors and pharmacists will talk in local language with consumers regarding drugs storage conditions, role of pharmacist, avoiding drug food interactions and ultimately to create the better image of pharmacy professional in the minds of people. Worldover today the image of pharmacist and pharmacy profession is most respectable because of pharmaceutical care service. In India also we are expecting this change and our retail pharmacist is aware of these changes. Specific efforts in this direction are taken by Pharmacy Council of India, Delhi pharmaceutical trust, Karnataka and Maharashtra State Pharmacy Council, JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysore, Ooty, Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram and IPER. The 54th IPC will also bring around 1,000 chemists to Pune and this is a beginning towards the future. If we educate our community hospitals and clinical pharmacists with this approach, we can achieve this milestone very soon.

The image of pharmacy profession is actually reflected by the community pharmacist in the society. He is the quality assurance manager of health. Before dispensing any medicine or honouring any prescription pharmacist must do patient counseling, maintain patient record file, take feedback and build confidence in the patient regarding drug therapy to achieve best therapeutic outcome.

-- The author is Organizing Secretary - 54th IPC - 2002

Highlights
- The theme: Biotechnology- A Challenge to Pharmacy Profession

- 20 symposiums, 8 plenary sessions, 4 memorial lectures, 76 speakers

- Registration of 5,000 delegates

- Students convention for about 2,000 delegates from pharmacy colleges

- 1,000 retail pharmacists delegation

- 1,000 oral and poster presentation

- 200 exhibitors

- Health symposium by leading doctors and pharmacists

- LOC to build Pharma House to serve pharmacy profession with IPC fund

- Special felicitation for sponsors