Shaping the next gen of global pharmacists: Preparing students for Al, data and precision medicine

Dr Supriya Shidhaye, Principal, Vivekanand Education Society's College of Pharmacy, Mumbai highlights that by modernising curricula, embracing technology, and nurturing globally aware professionals, we can ensure that the next generation of Indian pharmacists leads confidently in a world where medicine, data, and humanity converge

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The pharmacy profession is at a defining crossroads. The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and precision medicine is transforming every layer of healthcare from drug discovery and clinical decision-making to patient monitoring and policy design.

Pharmacists today are no longer limited to dispensing medicines; they are becoming interpreters of data, partners in clinical research, and active contributors to personalised care.

As healthcare systems move toward digitalisation and individualisation, the role of the "global pharmacist" is being redefined. For Indian pharmacy education and practice to remain globally competitive, it must evolve beyond conventional pharmaceutics and pharmacology, integrating emerging disciplines such as informatics, genomics, nanomedicine, and 3D printing. This transformation will prepare students to work at the intersection of technology and therapeutics.

Al, data science, and precision medicine: The new drivers of healthcare

AI and big data analytics have already begun reshaping the pharmaceutical value chain from molecule design and clinical trials to pharmacovigilance and patient adherence. Reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) underline that digital intelligence improves decision-making, enhances drug safety, and streamlines healthcare delivery.