Photograph: Sarita Gupta Nigam |
| DISPENSING MEDICINE is the most visible role of a pharmacist |
FAST FACTS
Programmes: DPharm, BPharm, MPharm, PharmD
Best Institutes: DIPSRA, Delhi; Jamia Hamdard, Delhi; IT BHU, Varnanasi; Bombay College of Pharmacy, Mumbai; Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu Job Profiles: Pharmacist, Chemist, Medical Representative, Researcher, Drug inspector, Scientist
IN a recent episode of Sataymev Jayate, Bollywood star Aamir Khan pointed out several cases where branded drugs are priced as high as 500 times more than their generic counterpart. The scarcity of these generic drugs was underlined as the reason for the health system being skewed towards more affluent segments of the society. Typically, it is due to collusion between doctors and pharma giants. Nearly 6 lakh people die at an early stage of liver and kidney cancer and 90% of such causalities were due to lack of availability of life-saving drugs at affordable rates. A welcome debate on the prevailing health system, the show highlighted the importance of affordable drugs to save human lives.
Other allied medical science careers:
Pharma sector in India
From traditional medicine systems to contemporary ones, pharmaceuticals is a well-recognised area in healthcare system. Though India has medicine systems that are thousands of years old, and encyclopedias of medicine that date back to the 3rd to 2nd century BC (Suśruta Samhitā and Charaka Samhitā), formal education in pharmacy in India took off only in the early 1930s at Banaras Hindu University. The organised pharma industry in India is nearly 100 years old. Today, India ranks third in the world in terms of volume of production (10 percent) and 14th by value (1.5 percent). India’s pharmaceutical industry growth is fuelled by exports, and it is regarded as the country’s leading science-based industry and one of the largest in the developing world. It offers career opportunities right from retailing of drugs and research and discovery of new medicines to clinical trials.
 |
“Pharma growth rate has remained equal to industries like IT. Industry would experience the highest salary hike of around 12- 13% compared to other industries”
Dheeraj Aggarwal
CFO, Venus
Remedies Limited |
What pharmacists do
This science deals with collection, preparation and standardisation of drugs. Pharmacists are trained experts in medicines. As healthcare professionals they are responsible for dispensing prescribed medicines to patients and providing information about the drugs. Thus, they have an important role in safety and effective use of medication. In addition to dispensing drugs, they are also concerned with drugs discovery, manufacturing of drugs and quality control of pharma products. Pramod Kumar, a practising pharmacist says, “Often a pharmacist is viewed as a person who retails drugs at medical shops but this is not the sole role for which a pharmacist is trained.” They can work in manufacturing, research, clinical trials or with any government agencies. “But still most people go in marketing and retailing because here they can find jobs easily,” he shares.
Courses available
An interest in Life Sciences is a prerequisite to enter this field. One can move into this discipline after 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Maths/ Biology (PCM/PCB). You can go for a 4-year Bachelor’s programme (Bachelor of Pharmacy or B.Pharm) or two-year diploma in pharmacy (D.Pharm). There are many specialisations available at the Master’s and doctorate level. Traditionally, pharma has been the next choice for students after medical (including Veterinary Science and Dentistry). Rajiv Yadav, third-year student of Jamia Hamdard University explains, “Pharmacy was Plan B for me. When I could not do well in medical entrance, I focused on B.Pharm entrance and managed to clear it. Studying pharmacy at one of the best institutes in India was a better option than choosing a low grade private medical college by paying hefty fees.”
Dr. Elango, Principal, JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty points out that Pharmacy education is set to undergo a sea change in the next few years. The introduction of Pharm D, a six-year integrated postgraduate programme, is expected to take pharmacy education in India to international levels. Students can pursue careers in institutional practice; community pharmacy practice; managed care; drug information and long-term care; consultant’s role; clinical liaisons with pharmaceutical industry; patient education; and clinical trial research.
| Job opportunities |
What the Pharmacy Act says |
- Pharma industry: Work involves formulation as well as production of medicines
- Pharmacy stores: At hospitals, wholesale or retail outlets
- Product Management: Post an MBA, work in the management team
- Quality Controller: Involves checking if manufacturing of medicines conforms to set standards
- Drug Inspector: Keep a check on whether manufacturing units adhere to government regulations
- Medical Representatives : Interact with doctors and sell medicines
- Academics: Lectureship and research in educational institutions
- R&D: At research institutes, work involves development of new medicines
|
One needs to be registered as a pharmacist in India in order to practice hospital and community pharmacy.
Only registered pharmacists can dispense medicines prescribed by registered medical practitioners; not many consumers are aware of this.
The Drugs and Cosmetics Act requires registered pharmacists for wholesale and retail sale of drugs.
The Act also decides minimum space and equipment required to run a pharmacy.
However, no registration is required to work in other areas.
Possessing a BPharm degree from a recognised university suffices unless you want to specialise and develop new drugs.
|
| |
|
|
| |
“In the near future, the centre of gravity would shift from general academic courses to vocation-oriented courses” |
|
|
|
|
|
|
The entrance test
Most premier pharmacy colleges give admission on the basis of an entrance test. But eligibility criteria to appear in the entrance may differ. Many B.Pharm and D.Pharm programmes are open to candidates with a 10+2 in Physics, Chemistry and Biology or Maths. In most private universities, Maths students can get admission in degree or diploma programme of pharmacy. But some institutions like Jamia Hamdard and Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research (DIPSAR) in Delhi allow only those who have Biology at 10+2. Minimum passing marks required at 10+2 level also varies from 35% to 60%. For instance, DIPSAR requires minimum 60% marks while JSS allows anyone who secures over 35% in higher secondary level.
Without giving any specific reason, many prestigious pharma colleges do not give admission to candidates who have passed 12th standard from open board. However, if you have decided to opt for a career related to medical or life sciences, it is advisable to study Biology and secure more than 50% marks in 10+2. In many states, B.Pharm entrance exams are conducted with state-level engineering tests. The pattern remains similar to medical entrance test. The test paper generally comprises questions on Physics, Chemistry, Biology and General awareness. Some institutes even test English language skill.
Fees
In comparison to other medical and allied programmes, pharmacy is not a very expensive course. Government institutions like DIPSAR charges Rs. 16,000 per annum, while private universities may charge around Rs 1 lakh per annum. Generally, B.Pharm and D.Pharm fee varies between Rs. 60,000 to 1 lakh per annum.
