Centre allocates Rs 100 cr under 11th plan for pharmacy education, Task Force formed

Union government has allocated Rs 100 crore under the 11th Plan for the pharmacy education. The funds will be used for infrastructure and faculty training, apart from student support services. 

The Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) has also formed the National Task Force on Quality Assurance in Pharmacy Education. A national framework is being developed to look at three levels of education. These are: upgrade the pharmacy institutions in the country, intensive train the trainers with continuing education programmes for pharmacy teachers, improvement of infrastructure, teaching methodologies and accreditation process, stated Dr B Suresh president Indian Pharmaceutical Association and Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). 

Globally, there is a serious shortage of pharmacists with an estimated requirement of 1.50 lakh. Out of this, US alone requires one lakh pharmacists but they are able to generate only around 6,000 candidates a year. At least, seven to eight years are required to meet the shortfall of pharmacists. India has 1,000 pharmacy colleges generating around 40,000 graduates annually. This is where quality and high standard of education will help India students much-sought after in the global markets, he added.