The 68th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC) in Visakhapatnam concluded at University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Andhra University, giving the much needed hope and encouragement to the pharmacy graduates and upcoming professionals in the pharmaceutical sector.
The placement conclave during the 3-day mega national event from 16-18th December organised at the 68th IPC became a big hit, as more than 2000 pharmacy graduates who appeared for interviews were given offer letters by the organizers. More than 8000 pharmacy professionals, industry leaders, academicians, drug administrators, regulators, representatives from hospitals and community pharmacists and others took part enthusiastically.
To begin with, the first day inaugural function was launched by Ganta Srinivas Rao, minister for human resources, government of Andhra Pradesh. While addressing the gathering the minister said that the government of Andhra Pradesh under the able leadership of N. Chandrababu Naidu is giving highest priority to pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry in the state. “Andhra Pradesh is always in the forefront to encourage industry. Particularly we are focusing on the building a strong pharmaceutical base in the state. As part of this we are concentration on building pharma clusters in the state. Already we have completed the first phase of pharma industrial park and very soon we are planning to take up the second one soon,” said the minister.
The minister also said that the government is soon planning to hold an interactive meeting with about 150 chief executive officers (CEOs) of the different pharma companies and experts for exploring the possibility of starting new industries in the state. Referring to quality in human resources, the minister suggested pharmacy colleges to take up skill development programme in a very big way for the young students. The minister lauded the complementary role played by the professional pharmacy along with the medicine for the delivering of health sciences to the patients.
In this presidential address S.V. Veeramani elaborated the theme of the congress, “Quality Pharmaceuticals and the Patient Welfare”. In order to meet the customer requirements he stressed four aspects, of effectiveness, safety, availability and affordability of the drugs. He underlined the pharmacist’s role in upholding quality and patient welfare.
The scientific presentations held in seven tracks all along the three days witnessed more than 65 national and international speakers deliver their speeches. More than 2580 papers were presented in both poster and oral sessions.
Prof. B. Suresh, president PCI, recalled the Pharma Vision 2020 of late President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and asked all the pharmacy professionals to work together for realizing the same.
Dr. T.V. Naryana, general secretary, IPCA declared that the next IPC would be hosted by APTI at Chittkara University, Punjab.