Shalini Gupta– New Delhi
The 65th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress(IPC) hosted by IPGA (Indian Pharmacy Graduates’ Association), a three-day conference to be held from December 20-22 began today at the sprawling campus of Amity University, Noida.
In line with its theme of “Empowering the Pharmacist”, the event began with the President’s Symposium, with eminent members sharing their views and apprising the audience of the pivotal importance of a pharmacist in today’s environment. Dr B Suresh, President, Pharmaceutical Council of India and Vice Chancellor, JSS University, Karnataka kicked off the session by giving an educational perspective on the topic.
BR Sikri, key promoter of the ABS Group of Companies, Haryana hit the right note by stressing that while “power is demanding, empowerment is commanding” and that is what the pharma professionals of the future are going to do. He shed light on India’s strengths and weaknesses in pharmaceuticals and the growing threat from China, which cannot be ignored and urged that the industry needs to strengthen its presence in the highly regulated markets comprising 36 countries.
Dr VG Somani, Joint Drugs Controller, Central Drug Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) took the discussion a step further by enumerating steps to further increase the utility of a pharmacist in India by giving them due representation in national policies as well as ensuring that their training is at par with global standards.
Dr Roop. K Khar, Principal, BS Anangpuria Institute of Pharmacy, Faridabad espoused the cause for increase in accreditation credits in the curriculum for professional experience, pharma practice and behavioural administrative sciences, at par with the global standards. He also stressed that research needs to have identified measurable outcomes that match with industry requirements.
While thanking the speakers, Atul Kumar Nasa, President, 65th IPC, touched the pulse of the audience, especially the huge contingent of pharmacy students, that he would try his best to make the amendment of Rule 71, 76 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act allowing only a pharmacy graduate to be recognised for the post of competent technical staff, a reality. This drew a huge round of applause from the audience.
RC Juneja, Chairman, 65th IPC, Local Organising Committee (LOC), and Managing Director, Mankind Pharma in his welcome address expressed joy at having got an opportunity to interact with professional pharmacists and learn at the grass root level. “Pharmacists play a vital role in boosting the sales of drugs and will also be instrumental in changing the image of India as the generic capital of the world,” he said. He also thanked the students and LOC members for their hard work and contribution to make the event a success.
Dr Ashok K Chauhan delivered the vote of thanks to students, exhibitors, central council members, National Council and advisors for their support. Addressing the gathering of scientists and distinguished academicians, he further sought their participation to achieve the target of filing 200 patents within two to three years and papers in various peer reviewed journals.
The formal inauguration of the 65th IPC saw the Guest of Honour, Dr GN Singh, Drugs Controller General (India), lighting the lamp along with other members on the dais. This was followed by invoking Goddess Saraswati through a Saraswati Vandana by students from Matrix Dance Academy who took over the stage in shades of yellow, orange and gold. TV Narayana, Secretary General, IPCA presented the annual report of previous year.
An award distribution ceremony coordinated by Rajesh Madan, Executive Director, Medicamen Biotech and delivered jointly by members along with VM Katoch, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research. The award ceremony recognised achievers in various segments of the pharma industry.