As part of strengthening research activities and medicine supply, the Kerala State Medical Services Corporation Ltd (KMSCL) has decided to appoint Research Associates from qualified pharmacy practice professionals, it is learnt.

“The Corporation will soon appoint three research assistants. With the strengthening of research activities, the Corporation will become more efficient, transparent and strong,” said Biju Prabhakar, managing director of KMSCL.

The selected candidates will be given minimum six months training. The required qualification for the post notified is first class M. Pharm (pharmacy practice) or Pharm D. Those who have experience in publications or presentations in pharmacy practice, in areas like drug policies, dispensing practices, pharmacoeconomics, pharmaceutical care, drug information, pharmacovigilance, drug use evaluation etc will be given priority.

Biju Prabhakar said those who prove their efficiency, skills and flair for scientific research and writings during the training period will be considered for future posts like Assistant Managers or permitted to carry forward other research projects with the support of funding agencies. Those trainees who manage to register for PhD/ M. Phil programmes of Universities in Kerala or other approved Indian Universities will be provided with the facilities of KMSCL and Karunya Community Pharmacy Services to pursue their work provided their topics of research works are approved by KMSCL.

During the training period they have to take up projects and assignments related to pharmacy practice activities having various research components like data/information collection from various sources, their critical analysis, interpretation, SWOT analysis and presentation/publication/dissemination.

Recently, KMSCL has introduced some innovative projects in the area of drug distribution which are being replicated by other states in the country. By this, the company could become a role model for outside agencies. The establishment of Karunya Community Pharmacies in government hospitals and medical colleges for selling branded medicines at cheaper rates has brought kudos to the Corporation.

Last month the Corporation took the initiative of bringing together five other state medical corporations into a common platform to deliberate on how to bring down the out of pocket expenditure on medicines and make free supply of essential drugs to all the patients coming to the government hospitals.