Indian Pharmacy Graduates Association (IPGA) has called for the implementation of the recommendations made by National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on upgrading the condition of hospital pharmacies in the country. The association has also called for the setting up of national institutes like National Institute for Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) in every region of India.

"The government should ensure that every hospital pharmacy in teaching hospitals should be headed by a post graduate in Pharmacy," said P P Sharma, president, IPGA at the 22nd Annual Conference of IPGA. He also informed that the association has already prepared a module for the functioning of hospital pharmacies in the country. Raising the qualification of practicing pharmacists, ensuring autonomy for Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, etc. were other demands made by the association.

Speaking on the occasion, Atul K Nasa, General Secretary IPGA said that the immediate objective of the association would be to ensure changes in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act to make all pharmacy related jobs in the regulatory, analytical and management segments the exclusive domain of trained pharma professionals.

Dr Yoganand Shastri, minister of health, Delhi and Mangat Ram Singhal, minister of industry, Delhi were the chief guests for the ocaassion.

The keynote was addressed by Dr C L Kaul, former director, NIPER & Director, Modi Apollo International Institute, New Delhi.