India has to go a long way in order to achieve internationally acceptable standards in hospital pharmacy, feels Dr C K Kokate, president Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). He felt that India is lagging behind most of the developing countries in pharmacy practices even though it has a leading position in pharmaceutical technology.

Inaugurating the first national conference of Indian Hospital Pharmacist Association (IHPA) Prof Kokate, exhorted the pharmacists to maintain the dignity of their profession by not 'selling' their registration certificates to the retail drug store owner. He felt that only a new legislation, which allows only registered pharmacist to own a medical shop can bring in the desirable changes among the community / hospital pharmacy practices in the country.

He also wanted all pharmacy related associations in the country to come forward to work together on a common action plan to bring in professionalism among their members. Stressing the need for continued education, he said, "Continued education should be made mandatory for renewal of registration".

The theme of the annual conference held here on October 27, 2002 was "Hospital Pharmacist for Pharmacy Practice". A one-day seminar on "Hospital pharmacist for quality services in hospital, clinical and community pharmacy" was the highlight of the event.

Scientific sessions on topics like community pharmacy in hospital set-up, pharmacy practice, good storage practice for medicines in hospital pharmacy etc. were part of the conference.

IHPA is the national professional body of hospital pharmacists engaged in the practice of pharmacy. It aims at promoting and developing the practice of pharmacy, upgrade the knowledge and skills of hospital pharmacist, promote professional / scientific knowledge by publishing journals and newsletters. IHPA is a constituent association of the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Association (IPCA).