Pharmacy, at the crossroads of medical science and chemistry, is dedicated to discovering, producing, controlling, and safely disposing of drugs. Its crucial role extends to ensuring the effective and secure utilization of medications, emphasizing quality control in manufacturing, and contributing to advancements in healthcare through the exploration of innovative pharmaceutical solutions.
The various Pharmacy degree programs which are offered in India are mainly:
Pharmacy education in India is governed by two pillars:
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The PCI sets and enforces educational standards necessary for becoming a qualified pharmacist. It manages the registration process for individuals who meet the specified eligibility criteria, which includes a minimum qualification of D. Pharm. Once registered, the PCI issues licenses allowing these individuals to practice as pharmacists within an Indian state.
The central authority has instructed state pharmacy councils to oversee the registration of pharmacists within their respective states. Consequently, the PCI governs the D. Pharm and the recently implemented PharmD programs. Recognition by the PCI is essential solely for the purpose of accepting qualifications for registration in the case of the B. Pharm program. However, the PCI does not have authority over M. Pharm and other advanced degree programs.
In conjunction with the Pharmacy Act, the education within the field of pharmacy is additionally guided by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. This legislation provides detailed insights into the processes involved in the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of pharmaceuticals. Notably, there is currently an absence of a regulatory body and regulatory oversight specifically dedicated to the practice of clinical pharmacy.
The Entry level for the various pharma Degree programs like D. Pharm, B. Pharm, and Pharm D programs is an extensive education in the various basic sciences.
Diploma in Pharmacy – The Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) program spans a minimum duration of 2 years, supplemented by 500 hours of mandatory practical training. This practical component is expected to be fulfilled within a 3-month timeframe and can be undertaken in a hospital or community setting.
Bachelor of Pharmacy – The Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) program spans a duration of 4 years within university-affiliated institutions or university departments. Graduates with a B. Pharm degree have the opportunity to pursue a Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) degree, a 2-year program with a significant emphasis on research. The second year is predominantly dedicated to conducting research culminating in a dissertation within various pharmaceutical disciplines such as pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, or pharmacognosy.
Master of Pharmacy – In recent developments, Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm) programs specializing in Industrial Pharmacy, Quality Assurance, and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology have been introduced, receiving notable acclaim within the industry. Addressing the need to equip graduate pharmacists with clinical-oriented skills, the M. Pharm program in Pharmacy Practice was pioneered at JSS College of Pharmacy in Mysore in 1996, followed by Ooty in 1997. Graduates holding an M. Pharm degree in any field can further pursue a Ph.D. through an additional minimum of 3 years of study and research, culminating in a Doctorate.
Doctor of Pharmacy – The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program entails a comprehensive 6-year full-time curriculum. Alternatively, the post-baccalaureate PharmD program spans a period of 3 years. Launched in 2008, the PharmD program was designed to cultivate pharmacists with substantial practical training, emphasizing their ability to deliver pharmaceutical care to patients. This initiative underscores the significance of pharmacy practice in shaping competent healthcare professionals.
The curriculum for a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) lacks a standardized structure, exhibiting variations among universities offering this degree. Predominantly focused on product and industry-oriented subjects, the course content tends to differ across institutions. Many pharmacy colleges providing education are geographically distant from practical training sites, and mandatory training in a practical setting is notably absent. Typically, B. Pharm programs in Indian universities encompass a blend of fundamental sciences (including mathematics, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry), advanced chemistry and analysis (such as biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and analytical chemistry), and fundamental pharmacy subjects (such as pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmacognosy, and pharmacy laws).
Achieving an M. Pharm degree involves an additional 2 years of dedicated study beyond a B. Pharm degree, culminating in a total of 6 years of comprehensive pharmacy education. This advanced degree is available in various disciplines, including pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, and pharmacology. The curriculum is divided into two parts: the first year encompasses instructive coursework, covering both theory and laboratory components, while the second part centers on conducting a research project under the guidance of a faculty member in a chosen discipline. Those pursuing an M. Pharm in industrial pharmacy may opt for research projects within pharmaceutical industries during the second year of the program.
Professionals holding a B. Pharm or M. Pharm degree commonly seek roles in pharmaceutical production, regulatory affairs, management, quality assurance, and marketing within the pharmaceutical industry, in addition to engaging in pharmacy practice. Some graduates and postgraduates also choose to contribute their expertise to community and institutional pharmacies, highlighting the diverse career paths available in the field.
In the Indian context, individuals holding a Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) are the primary practicing pharmacists recognized globally. They actively participate in community or institutional pharmacy practice, representing the fundamental pharmacy education in the country.
Pharmacy education in India, spanning both B. Pharm and M. Pharm levels, emphasizes a curriculum that leans towards industry and product orientation, with a primary focus on foundational sciences.
However, there is a shifting orientation among pharmacists, transitioning from a focus solely on products to a more patient-centric approach. More explicitly, there is a growing emphasis on conducting a comprehensive risk and benefit assessment of both products and services, considering them in tandem.
The evolution of pharmacists’ responsibilities underwent a significant transformation with the introduction of the concept of pharmaceutical care. This concept involves the conscientious delivery of drug therapy with the aim of attaining specific outcomes that contribute to enhancing the patient’s overall quality of life.
Author
Sanjeeb Sutradhar
Co – Founder & Managing Director
Bir Bikram College of Pharmacy
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