In order to assist the fresh pharmacy graduates in getting good placements in manufacturing units, clinical research organisations and allied sectors, the pharmaceutical sciences welfare trust (TNPSWT) in Tamil Nadu has started a career guidance centre.

The training centre is called, ‘Pharma Knowledge and Training Institute (Finishing School)’ whose inauguration was held on May 12.  The targeted candidates for the training course are fresh pharmacy graduates and post graduates who aspire to make their careers in the pharmaceutical industry, both domestic and MNCs. The supporting personnel behind the initiative are from various pharma organisations and captains of major companies in Tamil Nadu.

This is the first time in the country, the industrial units jointly organise career guidance to graduates with a view to screen and select good potential candidates for their firms.

While briefing Pharmabiz, R Narayanaswami, coordinator of the programme said that on completion of the training the candidates would be given certificates after an interview on the basis of merit, and placement arrangements will also be made. They will be absorbed by companies in Tamil Nadu as per requirements.

He further said the duration of the course is 30 working days consisting of 15 days of class room lectures by experts from the pharmaceutical industry and drug legislation followed by 15 days of practical training in well reputed pharmaceutical units in and around Chennai. During the training period (both class room & practical training) objective type tests will be conducted at regular intervals and a final evaluation will be done at the end.

The inaugural function was organised by S. V. Veerramani, chairman & managing director of Fourrts (India) Laboratories and chairman of IDMA.  R Anandarajashekar, Dean, Pharma Training Institute, Bengaluru, and Dr B R Jagashetty, former drugs controller, Karnataka were guest of honours. J Jayaseelan, managing director, Delvin Formulations and R Thiruvengadam, joint managing director, Tablets (India) Ltd were felicitated at the function.