The IPC 2008 is all set to draw up a roadmap to equip the Indian pharmacist to take up all the challenges presented by a fast evolving regulatory mechanism, enabling them to provide better healthcare services.

The tremendous changes in drug regulation, of late, has created a need for professionals with updated knowledge on the new regulations even as the pharmacy education is still stuck with the old curriculum.

The IPC 2008, with the theme "Pharma Vision 2020 - Regulations for Better Healthcare", is an effort to address this emerging gap and to identify routes for a better future by putting together heads of the regulatory, industry and academy experts. The venue, New Delhi, is the best platform to discuss the issues as the national capital is also the centre where all the drug regulatory decisions are made from, said Dr Arun Garg, general secretary, IPGA and treasurer, Local Organising Committee (LOC), IPC 2008. Almost 70 per cent out of total 7500 visitors' registration (approx) are from pharmacy students.

The IT Enabled Services (ITES) is used for registration of visitors and exhibitors, submission of scientific abstracts booking for travel and accommodation etc for the first time in the history of IPC, he added. Considering the security threats in the backdrop of recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai, the organisers have tightened security measures and trained the volunteers in disaster management. Efforts are on to facilitate service of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the venue.
--Our Bureau, Mumbai