A structural change in healthcare interventions is likely to be imminent in the post-COVID period, consequently clinical pharmacists will largely be required to play significant roles in the medication management therapy system in the years to come, according to Dr V G Somani, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).
Dr Somani observed this while delivering the inaugural address of the 4th annual conference of the Indian Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (IACP) digitally on July 31.
He finds that the life of human beings and the face of human society are likely to mutate into different patterns in the post-COVID pandemic period. This change may invite newer approaches to treat diseases, simultaneously preventive care will also have a dominant role. In treatments, medicines from biological origins and newer forms of medical devices will play vital roles in the total healthcare system.
Assessing various factors, the DCGI said that with a paradigm shift in healthcare interventions, the role of pharmacists will also change into a new way of profession and practice, mostly into a medication management therapy expert from the position of a drug dispenser. But such a situation will require vast knowledge and information in relevant areas to cater to the needs of both the physician and the patient. In this context, the clinical pharmacists can play important roles.
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Hailing the Doctoral Pharmacy programme (Pharm D) introduced by the PCI, Dr Somani said this programme has generated a set of clinically trained pharmacists in the country, who will be made useful for the healthcare management sector in the post-COVID period. Pointing out the myriad opportunities to be emerged in the near future, he expressed the hope that Pharm D graduates will get a lot of opportunities in clinical research areas as team leaders and India is emerging as a hub of clinical research for a second time.
The national drug regulator further said from the side of the CDSCO and of the government, efforts are being made to create job opportunities for the Pharm D holders. Congratulating IACP office-bearers for their supportive efforts towards advancing pharmacy education in the country, Dr. Somani opined that this year’s IACP conference was the full-fledged pharma conference hitherto organized online in India.
In the beginning of the virtual conference, the Guest of Honour, Dr B Suresh, president of the PCI, made a comprehensive talk on progressing pharmacy education in India.
Prof Jayakar, secretary of the IACP welcomed the online gathering and presented a report of the association’s activities. Professor K Chinnaswamy delivered the presidential address and Jayapal Reddy proposed the vote of thanks. More than 1,000 registered delegates and 2,000 people with pharmacy backgrounds attended the first online convention of the pharma sector.
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