“I’m not a doctor; But patient care is my religion. A doctor’s medicine saves two lives; But I fill my life with medicine by virtue of my knowledge and experience. Ability to read any doctor’s prescription. Because I am a pharmacist, that is, a pharmacist. Indian philosophy says – Sarbe Bhabantu Sukhina, Sarbe Santu Niramaya… A better society can be built on the health and prosperity of all. From that point of view, the role of pharmacists in the society is very important. Every year 25 September is observed as ‘World Pharmacist Day’. The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) was first formed in 1912; But every year since 2009, 25 September has been celebrated as World Pharmacist Day. FIP has dedicated this day to pharmacists by highlighting the role of pharmacists in patient care.
In our country, Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) instructs to celebrate this day with all its affiliated educational institutions, members and staff. This year’s theme is ‘Pharmacists Strengthening Health Systems’. Pharmacists who have been engaged in patient care for decades are called second doctors. There are so many hospitals in the country where there is a shortage of doctors that pharmacists are the last hope of providing uninterrupted service. We should not forget the role of pharmacists during covid. The role of this category in patient care at risk of life was very commendable. Similarly, industrial pharmacists were busy making medicines day and night. As a result, there was no shortage of drugs used in India during the Covid-19 pandemic. We were even able to supply large quantities of medicines and vaccines to other countries. Who is the cause of Corona at that time debates and disputes were going on among the developed and influential nations but at that time India has developed three vaccination for corona. “Vasudheb Kutumbakam” belief and concept was proved by India at that time.
If we look at the state of Odisha, there is no good company in the pharmaceutical industry. Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Gujarat and neighboring Andhra Pradesh have a thriving pharmaceutical industry. So Odisha is dependent on these states. So it is the responsibility of Odisha Government to promote and to build infrastructure which can attaract Pharmaceutical industry to have their manufacturing units at Odisha.Generally, it is very important to check the quality of any drug before it is released into the market. Now in various states, even in Odisha, medicines are available directly in the market without checking the quality. A large number of counterfeit drugs and drugs with low ingredients are being caught during the raid. Even very important and life-saving medicines are being sold rampantly in fake brand medicine stores. Big rackets are seen running these in the market. Many patients are dying by using such fake medicines and medicines are not effective or fulfilling the purpose for which it is taking.In recent years, fake drugs have been caught in Odisha and how its roots extended to UP was proved.
On the other hand, the condition of pharmacists working in various hospitals of the state is also very pathetic. Position of pharmacist in proportion to number of patients is not increasing. Even this number is less than the sanctioned or required number. They have been in the same position for many years and have not been promoted. For this, it is necessary to discuss at the official level. By this, this large sector of the patient care sector can be encouraged.
Correspondingly, infrastructure in the field of pharmacy education is also relatively lacking in Odisha. Here is a D. Pharm Government College in the oldest Cuttack SCB Vesaj College and Hospital. Pharma (Diploma in Pharmacy) has government educational institutions. For half a century, B.Pharma or M.Pharma (Graduate and Post Graduate Pharmacy) courses are not open. Pharmacy education is not promoted in any government colleges and universities in our state. As a result, private colleges and universities are gaining permission. Even though the government collects billions of rupees in revenue, quality pharmacists cannot be produced.
All parts of the body must be healthy and strong. If any one organ is immobile, the victim gets sick. All members have equal rights in the family and the guardian of the family sees everyone as equal. In the same way, all the workers in the society should have the same facilities and opportunities. If we can create many opportunities for doctors and nurses in healthcare, why not the same opportunities for pharmacists ? If the pharmacist does not prepare the medicine,then the doctors will take whom to prepare the prescription and give it to the patient. Now a days, pharmacy professionals have shown the utmost of hard work by engaging themselves in all fields. So on today’s holy day, we salute all the pharmacists for their exceptional and tireless service in the healthcare sector and wish them well for their future.
Chandrasekhar Panda
Bachelor of Pharmacy
+917008217254
(Happy World Pharmacist Day)
Pharmaceutical Updates 