Pharmacists play a vital role in the society. There is a need to create more awareness on ethical and moral values among the pharmacists to serve the customers and society at large, opined experts at an event organised by Medplus in Hyderabad to commemorate World Pharmacists’ Day on September 25.

K.V.S.N.Gupta, assistant director, drug control administration, attended the event as the chief guest and felicitated the pharmacists working at MedPlus. Sharing his experiences, Gupta stressed that pharmacists need to uphold ethical and moral values while delivering his duties towards the society. Gupta also gave a presentation on ‘Awareness on pharmacy profession’.

The event focused on the important role the pharmacists play in the healthcare industry in general and retail pharmacy business in particular. Other senior pharmacists shared their experiences and the secrets for success in their day to day jobs. Dr.Mantena, COO MedPlus, pointed out the duties the pharmacists have towards their customers and the ethical and moral obligations of the pharmacists. Awards were handed out in the categories of best pharmacist of the year, longest serving pharmacist, and best pharmacist trainer and certificates of excellence handed out for other categories.

Dr. Bhaskar Reddy, director, MedPlus, thanked the services rendered by the pharmacists and hailed their role as the most important pillars for the success of the company.

As part of the celebrations MedPlus, in collaboration with CMR College of Pharmacy, organised an inter-college quiz competition for pharmacy students on the eve of the World Pharmacists' Day. Students representing various pharmacy colleges in Hyderabad like CMR College of Pharmacy, MLR Institute of Pharmacy, Malla Reddy College of Pharmacy, Malla Reddy Institute of Pharmacy and Sciences, and Malla Reddy Pharmacy College participated in the event. MedPlus awarded cash prizes to the winners and mementos to all participants. Addressing the students on the occasion, Dr. Bhaskar Reddy spoke about the various pharmacy practices and highlighted the excellent career opportunities awaiting the students when they pass out from college.

MedPlus employs more than 1500 pharmacists in their retail stores, with around 200-300 hired every year. The pharmacists undergo a rigorous training programme and participate in the operations at the store level. Pharmacists have remarkable growth opportunities within the organisation, and those with potential end up in leadership and management roles.