‘New B Pharma syllabus has specialisations, job-focus’

Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), the apex body for pharmacy education and the profession in the country, is revamping the undergraduate B Pharmacy course curriculum after a decade. Deependra Singh, chairperson, education regulation committee, and member, PCI spoke to Sheena Sachdeva about the new additions in curriculum, specialisations, the doubling of pharmacy colleges post-Covid and more. Edited excerpts:

- Sheena Sachdeva

Q. Why are the undergraduate pharmacy courses being revamped now?

A. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the healthcare landscape, creating new demands and opportunities for pharmacists. Moreover, rapid technological advancements, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, are transforming the profession.

AI is revolutionising drug discovery, patient care, and personalised medicine, making it crucial for pharmacy graduates to be familiar with these innovations. By revamping our curriculum, we aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in this evolving environment. Our goal is to produce graduates who are not only well-versed in traditional pharmacy practices but also adept in leveraging modern technologies.

Q. How is the curriculum framed and who are the members of the committee?

A. The Education Regulation Committee (ERC) frames the curriculum through a democratic and inclusive process, engaging experts from diverse backgrounds, including:

• Pharmaceutical industry professionals

• Hospital practitioners

• Community pharmacists

• Academics

• Researchers

• Students

The process involves subject-wise seminars and workshops to gather feedback from stakeholders and industry experts; incorporating suggestions from industry stakeholders and experts; drafting and refining the curriculum based on inputs from key stakeholders, including Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI) and Indian Pharmacy Graduates' Association (IPGA).

The pharmacy curriculum is built around four core subjects:

• Pharmaceutics

• Pharmaceutical Chemistry

• Pharmacology

• Pharmacognosy