Careers in Pharmacy

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. The admission announcement usually comes out in May- July.

Eligibility

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.

Some institutions conducts their own entrance test for the admission to B.pharm courses. Main entrance exams for the admissions to pharmacy courses are State wise entrance exams, AIEEE (for degree courses) GATE (post graduation) etc. Institutions like IITs and some other institutions also accept the score of these entrance exams.

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.

Job Prospects and Career Options

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.

Remuneration

Pharmacy is a highly reputed job. In this field, monthly salary is according to the jobs, the pharmacist have taken up. The average starting salary for a pharmacist is around Rs 4,000. Research Scientists Rs.10,000 - 40,000 per month, Medical Representative Rs. 5,000 - 10,000 per month + incentives, Manufacturing Pharmacists Rs. 5,000 upwards, Hospital Pharmacists Rs.3,000 - 5,000 per month, Government Jobs Rs. 1,500 - 2,500 per month (basic) along with Contributory Provident Fund, D.A., Insurance, Medical reimbursement, and other allowances and benefits as per government rules.