India has a vast and growing pharmaceutical industry. Increasing number
of hospitals, nursing homes and pharmaceuticals companies all over the
country is a clear indication of the growing scope in this area. Pharmacy
offers reasonably good career opportunities both by way of jobs as well
as in terms of starting your own business.
The job avenues for a pharmacist are with pharmaceutical industry, government
departments, universities, teaching hospitals, investigation and research
institute etc. Within the pharmaceutical industry you might be involved
in activities relating to the development, formulation, production or
marketing of new drugs for clinical use. Drug control administration and
armed forces also offer a wide range of opportunities to pharmacists.
Appointments are also available in sale promotion work as medical
representatives. As a Medical Representative he keeps the medical
practitioner informed about the new drugs and treatments developed by
various pharmaceutical companies and thus indirectly promote their sales.
M.pharm or Ph.D holders are normally absorbed in research
work, to develop new useful drugs, in laboratories and in production work
in pharmaceutical industry and analyzing them for purity and strength.
Pharmacist may also take up teaching as a profession as lectures in pharmacy
colleges and universities.
Pharmacists are hired within the central and state government departments-
the Health Protection Branch of the Department of Health and Welfare,
the Pest Control Division of Agriculture, the Department of National Defense,
Provincial Research Councils, and the Provincial Departments of Agriculture
or the Environment. There is also employment opportunities within the
food and cosmetic industries or within any other industry that requires
the assurance that new products are as safe and effective as possible.
In government departments, a pharmacist maintains proper records according
to various Government acts governing the profession of pharmacy. As a
drug inspector or government analyst he is to make sure that the drugs
manufactured and sold, are of standard quality.
A diploma or degree holder in Pharmacy, after registering with the State
Pharmacy Council, can set up and run their own pharmacy or chemists and
druggists shop to stock and sell medicines and dispense them according
to doctors prescriptions. In a retail Pharmacy he has varied duties, including
buying and selling of related items demanded by the public.
