Seen in pic: V D Patil, secretary, Dr Mohite, B E Khomne, Chairman & Dr J K Lala

Dr. J.K. Lalla, Sr academician and Research pharmacist has inaugurated the office of MSPA (Maharashtra state Pharmacist Association) recently at a function held on June 6 at the auditorium of the Parshavnath Engineering college, Thane.

MSPA's president B.E Khomne, Asst Commissioner, FDA, Mumbai took the initiative to form the association with a view to bring all the pharmacists from different walks of life under a single roof.

At the inaugural function, Dr. J. K. Lala, the chief guest emphasized the need for today's pharmacist to be strategic and a global player by looking local and acting global. He also expressed the need for pharmacists to exert themselves as counselors in the true sense and be a vital link between the doctor and patient so as to get recognized.

Speaking after the inauguration of the MSPA office V.D. Patil the General secretary of the association explained, "There are more than 100000 registered pharmacists in the state and every year more than 10000 students are passing out from the Degree/Diploma institutions." With very little support given by the government to the individual associations, the formation of MSPA was necessary to address professional and public issues, he added.

The office of MSPA situated on the Ghodbunder road at Purshottam plaza has more than 300 enrolled members.