INTRODUCTION

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.

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 & 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     in     10+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 bachelor’s 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.

JOB PROSPECTS & CAREER OPTIONS

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.

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.

              I.      The average starting salary for a pharmacist is around Rs 4,000.

             II.      Research Scientists Rs.10,000 - 40,000 per month, Medical Representative Rs. 5,000 -             10,000 per month + incentives,

             III.         Manufacturing Pharmacists Rs. 5,000 upwards, Hospital Pharmacists               Rs.3,000 -                 5,000 per month,

           IV.      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.