The Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945  should be amended for better  job opportunities for the qualified pharmacists in the country, said Dr  P G Yeole, president, Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI).

While delivering the presidential address at the  17th National Convention of APTI  in Manipal last week,  he  urged for the improvement of quality of pharma education in the country.

According to him, the growth of Indian pharma industry can be improved only if   qualified pharmacists handle drugs and medicines. The Act was not implemented in its absolute sense, which was enacted for the Indian populace. So this is high time the D&C Rules amended both for the growth of the industry.

He said the global pharma industry’s growth will touch 1100 billion US dollar in 2015, which was 808 billion in the year 2009. The global pharmaceutical market is growing at a rate of 4 to 6 per cent annually. India ranks 14th in global market with sales of 21.26 billion dollars and  is growing at a rate of 16.5 per cent annually.  Indian pharma market is 4th largest by volume and 14th largest by value in the world. It is contributing about 10 per cent of global production of pharmaceuticals. The growth rate of 16.5 per cent is quite high in comparison to the global growth rate of  4 to 6 per cent . Still pharmacy graduates are getting less benefit of this  growth. This situation can be improved by utilizing qualified and potential pharmacists in the country, he opined.

Padmabhushan  M V Kamat, former president, Prasar Bharati inaugurated the convention. Dr S S Ballal, Pro. Chancellor, Manipal University delivered welcome address.