At the 12-day AICTE-sponsored Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) recently, the Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS) highlighted the need to focus on 6 point quality norms. These are credibility, comprehensiveness, reliability, objectivity, relevance and feasibility.

Dr. K Ramnarayan, vice chancellor Manipal University inaugurated the QIP in the presence of Dr. N Udupa (Director, Research Manipal University) and Dr. C Mallikarjuna Rao (Principal MCOPS). The theme of the QIP was Frontiers in Pharmacology of Drug Research and Recent Trends in Pharmacy Practice. The event had around 30 participants, drawn from pharmacy colleges in Gujarat and from MCOPS.

The 12-day programme which concluded on January 17, 2015 is coordinated and conducted by the departments of pharmacology and pharmacy practice, with each department accounting for six days’ activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ramnarayan said that quality has six aspects to it. These are: credibility, comprehensiveness, reliability, objectivity, relevance and feasibility. He urged the participants and organisers to try and realise these six aspects of quality in any programme that is initiated.

Dr. C Mallikarjuna Rao welcomed the gathering and Dr. J Venkata Rao proposed the vote of thanks. Ameena Naaz, a postgraduate student conducted the inaugural function as the host.

While lectures on recent advances were features of the morning sessions, the afternoon sessions are entirely devoted to experimental demonstrations using new techniques and instruments.  The faculty of the respective departments were the resource persons in most cases. However, a few guest speakers also delivered important and relevant lectures. The research scholars and postgraduate students were involved in experimental demonstrations.