The Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) Gujarat is planning to propose a representation to its Central Council to give permission to start three new local branches in Gujarat to focus on the growth of pharmacy more aptly in the state. Through this new local branches, IPA plans to widen their activities in the state by addressing  major issues that will help in recognition of pharmacy as a profession in the state.

The representation is going to be submitted during the central council meet (CCM) which is going to be held during the IPA convention at Manipal on March 16. Under the current rule of the Association there needs to be minimum 35 active life members for initiating the process of starting a local IPA branch.

IPA is planning to start its three new local branches in Changa near V V Nagar, Anand; second in Nadiad and third branch in Gandhinagar, after analysing and understanding the need to establish local representation in these areas. Ironically, in spite of being the capital of the state, this will be the first initiative by the IPA to start a local branch in Gandhinagar.

According to Dr H G Koshia, president, IPA, Gujarat, “We have initiated the step to set up office in Gandhinagar after considering its close proximity to all the government offices like FDCA, Health Ministry etc. coupled with the presence of top pharmacy colleges in its vicinity. Having an office so close to these agencies will help us to ensure initiating close collaborative activities with them.”

Though these centres IPA plans to initiate and build up close working relation with the industry and the academia while conducting pharmacy related events that will mainly focus on raising the status of pharmacy as a profession.

Dr Koshia informed that though at present there are four to five pharmacy colleges in every district in the state it is not given its required due as a profession. “Pharmacy is a profession that has a huge potential to impact the over all growth of the society, but for this there is a need to sensitise and train people about its importance through active participation. We have been constantly engaged in these efforts through our nine existing local branches across the state, but we feel that there needs  better representation of this profession under the current circumstances,” he said.