'Train the teachers programme', an initiative by Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), to upgrade the continuing education programme (CEP) for pharmacists across the country, is expected to be carried out in the coming year.

According to PCI, Train the teacher programme will be a step forward in the direction of value enhancement of pharmacists knowledge in context of the global regulatory environment. People from the industry and regulatory bodies will be a part of the CEP programme. This programme aims to bring uniformity in CEPs and offer a level playing field for all the pharmacists across the country.

“Train the teacher programme with the support of ministry of health and family welfare is under preparation to be carried out in a structured way. This also will get into action mode in the next year,” PCI president Dr B.Suresh told Pharmabiz.

PCI is looking into the quality assurance aspect in pharmacy education, taking into consideration the pharmacists' role in serving the industry and trade in a professional and ethical manner. These programmes will also involve industry people and other stakeholders in the process of framing the curriculum to give the much required exposure to the pharmacists.

Around 60,000 students pass out every year from pharmacy colleges in India. There are one million pharmacists and around seven lakh chemists across the country.  Therefore, there is a need to empower pharmacists across the country as facilitators in the process of pharmacy practice considering the huge requirement.

PCI, the statutory body of government of India constituted under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, regulates the pharmacy education in the country for the purpose of registration as a pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act. They also regulate the profession and practice of pharmacy.