The UK-based ASK Development has carried out a four-day training programme on the four key areas of pharmaceutical management, including sourcing and selection, training and development, business development and performance management at Best Western Hotel, Islamabad. The programme was conducted from January 22-25, 2007.

The training programme was attended by eleven managers from Abbott, B Braun, Bayer-Schering, Ferozsons and Roche and received an overall rating of 4.13 on a scale of one to five by the participants. Among the various sessions, the competency-based interviewing technique, course facilitator and quality of reading material received the highest rating at 4.56.

According to a company release, the training course was first of its kind in Islamabad. Disclosing its future endeavors, the company said it has plans to conduct a sales training programme for medical representatives after the proposed programme on pharmaceutical marketing in March 2007.

Addressing the participants, Dr Ahmer of B Braun said the programme was beneficial that he has really learned a lot that was not conceptually clear earlier, adding he would strongly recommend programmes such as this to his colleagues.

Commenting on the training programme, Arshad Akif, chief executive officer, ASK Development, said, "we have in house capacity to carry out a full range of programme in pharmaceutical and healthcare as we have a team of consultants to deliver open as well as tailored programs for our valuable clients."