Pharmacy or Pharmacology is one of the main disciplines under Biomedical
Science and the pharmaceutical industry. There are many disciplines within
the Biomedical sciences.
Pharmacy is related to health sciences. It is the profession responsible
for the preparation, dispensing and appropriate use of medication and
which provides services to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. A Pharmacists
job is to prepare, mix, compound or dispense drugs and medicines, ointments,
powder, pills, tablets and injections on the prescription of a medical
practitioner, dentist or veterinarian. In detail, they are concerned with
production of pharmaceutical products, development of the methods or processes
of production and quality control. Those in research concern themselves
with synthesis of new drugs (what is commonly referred to as molecules),
new processes, clinical testing of the effects of such drugs on animals
and humans, and obtaining the required License from the drug control authorities.
A pharmacist is required to explain the mode and precautions regarding
the use of medicines dispensed in a hospital pharmacy, prepare special
formulations normally not available in the market, assist the physician
in rendering necessary information about various drugs, their contra-indications,
incompatibility etc.
There are over 225 programs in Pharmacy conducted by different universities
in India. The main courses in Pharmacy are the 2 years Diploma in Pharmacy
(D.Pharm), 4 years Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), 2 years Master of Pharmacy
(M.Pharm) and Ph.d programmes.
Eligibility & Course Areas
The main courses in Pharmacy are the 2 years Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm),
4 years Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), 2 years Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm)
and Ph.d programmes. Admission to the Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), requires
a pass in10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Maths
or Biology. Candidates who posses 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Maths
(PCM) or Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) or Physics, Chemistry, Maths
& Biology are admitted to the 4-year bachelors program level (Bachelor
of Pharmacy or B.Pharm). At Bachelor level there is no specialization.
At the masters level (M Pharm) specialization is available in Pharmaceutics,
Pharmacognosy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical
Engineering etc. And after M.Pharm candidates can go for Ph.d programme
in Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical
Marketing & Management.
After obtaining a diploma or degree in pharmacy,
and registering with the state Pharmacy Council, it is possible set up
your own pharmacy or chemists and druggists shop to stock and sell medicines
and dispense them according to doctors prescription.
Personal Qualities : In order to be a successful
pharmacist, one must have a liking for science particularly life sciences
and medicine. An ability to put hard work, strong logical thinking, patience,
a sense of responsibility, patient counseling skills are some of the qualities
needed for pharmacist. Strong analytical abilities and strong academic
foundations are needed in the field of research. To be a successful medical
representative, one needs to have good communication skills and a flair
for convincing people, Retail pharmacists need to have business skills
together with good product knowledge.
