Indian Pharmaceutical Association (Maharashtra) organised celebrations of 44th National Pharmacy Week (NPW) from 20th-26th November, 2005 held at Mumbai Education Trust Institute of Pharmacy (M.E.T.), Bandra, Mumbai. NPW was inaugurated by A.T. Vhatkar, joint commissioner, Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration.

The theme of the 44th National Pharmacy Week was 'Know your pharmacist - Fight against TB.' Dr. V. G. Nayak, executive vice president, operations and regulatory compliances, Lupin Laboratories Limited stated, "About one third of the world population is afflicted by TB in India. The Health Ministry sponsored D.O.T programme makes free medicines available to the people at large for eradication of TB," as he addressed the audience at NPW.

An exhibition on 'Rationale use of medicines' was organised at the event that displayed exhibits by Dr. Suresh Sarvedkar and his colleagues from the pharmacology department of J.J. Hospital along with works of students of students from different pharmacy colleges in Mumbai.

A silent rally was held, leaflets were distributed and street plays were staged at a number of railway stations to spread TB awareness and educate the masses about the role of pharmacists and rational use of medicines. A workshop on 'Generic drugs: Challenges and opportunities' was organised at Bombay College of Pharmacy as a part of the NPW celebrations.

Dr. Pavan Kumar, cardiologist; Satish Rajkondawar, vice president, Sanofi aventis; Dr. M Venkateshwarlu, deputy controller, CDSCO, India were among the few eminent personalities that participated in the event. The Indian Dugs Manufacture's Association, All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists and Maharashtra State Pharmacy Council contributed in a major way towards the success of the NPW, informed officials.