Stating that India is in a position to lead the world in drug discovery and development and research and development activities, president of Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) Dr. Rao Vadlamudi has exhorted pharmacy students to orient to R&D for successful career.

He was speaking to the pharmacy students at an IPA sponsored national seminar on 'Innovation In Pharmacy Sciences, Practice And Research' held at M.A.M. College of Pharmacy, Kesanupally, Narasaraopet, Andhra Pradesh recently.

The seminar was organised by Rajahmundry local branch of IPA and supported by IPA, Education Division.

The conference was inaugurated by Prof. B. Suresh, president, Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), New Delhi on November 6, 2015.

In his inaugural address, Prof. Suresh said, “India occupied first place in drug manufacturing globally. Availability of highly competent pharmacy graduates and post graduates, advanced pharmaceutical technologies, quality medicines of global standard has made India number one in drug manufacturing. Medicines worth of Rs.1,20,000 crore annually and 90 per cent of vaccines globally used are being manufactured in India only. Excellent employment opportunities are awaiting for B.Pharm/M.Pharm and Pharm.D graduates.”

Prof. Dr. T.V. Narayana, chairman, IPA Education Division was the Guest of Honour. He advised the students to be more disciplined, hard working and sincere for success in their choosen field.

M.R. Seshagiri Rao, president & correspondent, M.A.M. College of Pharmacy presided over the inaugural function and welcomed the gathering.

Prof. K.P.R. Chowdary, president, IPA, Rajahmundry local branch delivered welcome address and spoke on the objective of the national seminar and stressed the need for innovation in pharmacy sciences, practice and research.

A total of 1500 delegates from pharmacy institutions across the country attended the seminar. 65 innovative research papers were presented orally and 400 technical and review papers were presented as posters during the national seminar for innovative research awards. The management of M.A.M. College of Pharmacy, Narasaraopet has instituted Rs.one lakh cash award with merit certificates to identify and encourage innovative research work in pharmacy.

The innovative research papers and technical papers presented were evaluated by professors of Andhra, Kakatiya and JNTUH Universities and senior faculty of various pharmacy institutions. The following are the best innovative research papers, which received cash awards.