Pharmacy associations in India play a crucial role in shaping the pharmaceutical landscape, advocating for the profession, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering professional development. These associations serve as platforms for pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, researchers, educators, and industry professionals to collaborate, share knowledge, and address common challenges. In this overview, we’ll explore some of the prominent pharmacy associations in India, their objectives, activities, and contributions to the pharmacy sector.
Indian Pharmaceutical Association
The Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) is the oldest premier association of pharmaceutical professionals in India, with a member base of over 13,000, spread across the length and breadth of the nation. IPA operates in India through 20 state branches and more than 46 local branches. The members represent various facets of pharmaceutical profession viz., industry, regulatory, community and hospital pharmacy practices and education. As a member of the Drug Technical Advisory Board, India, IPA is actively involved in advising the government on matters of professional importance.
Indian Pharmaceutical Association is affiliated with international pharma associations like FIP, FAPA, CPA, AAPS, AAiPS and is working with international bodies such as WHO and WHPA for carrying out various collaborative professional activities that include organizing training programmes for professionals from industry, academics, regulatory and practice. IPA makes representations to the authorities on matters of professional interest and works constantly towards upgrading the standards of pharmacy professional services offered by the pharmacists.
IPA’s major objective is to position pharmacists as one of the important healthcare providers in our country. IPA, Nilgiris Local Branch is involved in conducting various professional activities throughout the year and also extending the financial support to all the student members and life members to disseminate their scientific presentations in various national and international conferences, seminars, workshops etc. The World Pharmacist Day will be celebrated by IPA, Nilgiris Local Branch Evey year to create awareness about the pharmacy profession among general public. Every scientific program being organized by various departments of JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty is supported by IPA, Nilgiris Local Branch in the form of sponsoring writing note books and pens for the participants and refreshments to the participants.
Pharmacy Council of India
The Pharmacy Council of India is the statutory body regulating pharmacy education and profession in India under the Pharmacy Act of 1948. PCI sets standards for pharmacy education, approves pharmacy colleges, and regulates the conduct of pharmacists. It conducts inspections and assessments of pharmacy institutions to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. PCI also plays a key role in developing curricula, syllabi, and regulations related to pharmacy education and practice.
Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India
An association founded by the pioneers of Pharmacy education in India in 1966 by leading personalities like Prof. M. .L Schroff, Prof. G. P Srivastava and others, have come a long way in creating better intercommunication and promotion of excellence in pharmacy education. Through it’s tailor-made mission and objectives, the association has provided a common platform for bringing together teachers of pharmacy education across the nation. APTI which is celebrating Its 57 years, today has more than 15000 life members apart from a sizeable number of associate life members and student members from allover the country.
APTI is a professional association dedicated to promoting excellence in pharmaceutical education and research. It provides a platform for pharmacy faculty members to exchange ideas, share best practices, and enhance teaching methodologies. APTI organizes national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars on various aspects of pharmaceutical education and research. The association publishes journals and newsletters to disseminate scholarly work and facilitate research collaboration among its members.
The association with it’s activities is providing a robust platform for the bouncirng avant-garde ideas of the members in the academic field through new and more advanced teaching methodologies, fabrication of tools, computer-aided drug designs and other applications through Interaction with industry, hospitals, regulatory bodies and community pharmacy.
Indian Pharmacological Society
IPS is a scientific association focused on the field of pharmacology and experimental therapeutics. It aims to promote research and education in pharmacology, drug discovery, and therapeutics. IPS organizes conferences, symposiums, and workshops to facilitate knowledge exchange and networking among pharmacologists and researchers. The society publishes scientific journals and bulletins to showcase research findings and advancements in pharmacology.
The genesis of pharmacology in India dates back to the beginning of 20th Century when Col.Ram Nath Chopra took over the reins in 1921 as the first Professor of Pharmacology at the School of Tropical Medicine, Calcutta. Col. Chopra who is rightly regarded as the doyen of pharmacology initiated several research investigations to study the merits and demerits of indigenous drugs used in the country since ancient times.
The story of the birth of the Indian Pharmacological Society (IPS) dates back to 1966, when the 12th Annual Conference of Association of Physiologists and Pharmacologists of India (APPI) held at Patna, a large gathering of pharmacologists resolved to start an independent body for pharmacologists. Prof. Desmond Lawrence of Clinical Pharmacology Division in University of London provided real momentum to the new movement. Two vital objectives were spelt out viz., integrating pharmacology in medical education and to work for all round development of pharmacology. Professors G.Achari, K.P.Bhargava, R.P.Kholi and P.N.Saxena later provided the needed impetus.
Indian Society of Hospital Pharmacists
The Indian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ISHP) is a professional organization dedicated to promoting excellence in hospital pharmacy practice in India. Established to address the unique needs and challenges of pharmacists working in hospital settings, ISHP plays a crucial role in advancing the quality of pharmaceutical care and patient safety. Here’s an overview of the Indian Society of Hospital Pharmacists:
- Mission and Objectives: ISHP is committed to promoting the role of pharmacists as integral members of the healthcare team in hospitals and healthcare institutions. The society aims to enhance the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical services provided to patients in hospital settings. ISHP strives to facilitate continuous professional development, networking opportunities, and knowledge-sharing among hospital pharmacists across India.
- Education and Training: ISHP organizes educational programs, workshops, seminars, and conferences tailored to the needs of hospital pharmacists. These events cover a wide range of topics relevant to hospital pharmacy practice, including medication management, drug information services, pharmacotherapy, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory compliance. The society collaborates with academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and pharmaceutical companies to offer training sessions and certification programs for hospital pharmacists.
- Advocacy and Policy Development: ISHP advocates for policies and initiatives that promote the optimization of medication use, patient safety, and healthcare quality in hospital settings. The society engages with regulatory authorities, government agencies, and healthcare stakeholders to address issues related to drug procurement, distribution, storage, and utilization in hospitals. ISHP provides expert guidance and recommendations on matters pertaining to pharmacy practice standards, medication management protocols, and formulary management in hospitals.
- Research and Innovation: ISHP encourages research and innovation in hospital pharmacy practice to enhance patient care outcomes and optimize medication therapy. The society supports collaborative research projects, clinical trials, and outcome studies aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and safety of pharmaceutical interventions in hospital settings. ISHP promotes the dissemination of research findings and best practices through publications, presentations, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
- Professional Networking and Collaboration: ISHP provides a platform for hospital pharmacists to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas with peers, experts, and industry partners. The society facilitates networking opportunities through regional chapters, online forums, and professional events. ISHP fosters collaboration among hospital pharmacists, healthcare providers, and multidisciplinary teams to optimize medication therapy and improve patient outcomes.
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD): ISHP emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and professional development for hospital pharmacists. The society offers CPD programs, workshops, and online resources to help pharmacists stay abreast of emerging trends, guidelines, and technologies in hospital pharmacy practice. ISHP supports pharmacists in acquiring new skills, competencies, and certifications relevant to their roles and responsibilities in hospital settings.
In conclusion, Pharmacy associations in India play diverse roles in advancing the pharmacy profession, promoting scientific research, enhancing pharmacy education, and advocating for the interests of pharmacists and pharmaceutical professionals. These associations serve as catalysts for innovation, collaboration, and professional development within the dynamic and evolving landscape of the pharmaceutical industry in India.
