Indian Pharmaceutical Association, Maharashtra State Branch (IPA-MSB) and Community Pharmacy Division (IPA-CPD), jointly organised a one-day training programme for community pharmacists at Panvel in Maharashtra. The recently held programme had a mix of lectures, interaction, demonstrations and panel discussions. The programme had overwhelming response and a total of 137 pharmacists from Panvel and nearby areas attended the event.
Vijay Karande, Assistant Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, Raigad District inaugurated the programme. Dr Anand Shedge, Vice-President, IPA MSB welcomed all dignitaries and the participants. Also, present on the occasion were Nitin Maniar, Secretary IPA-MSB, Satish Shah, Joint Secretary, IPA-MSB and Supriya Patil from DIC-MSPC.
Manjiri Gharat, Vice-President and Chairperson, IPA CPD conducted the first session on ‘Need of patient counselling’ and elaborated on the incorrect use of medicines by the patients and role of pharmacists in correcting this situation by effective patient counselling. Dr Suresh Sarvadekar, Ex. Assistant Director, DMER (Directorate of Medical Education and Research) delivered a speech on health situation India and national health programmes.
District Health Officer Dr Sonavane spoke about the TB Control programme. Gharat briefed about the DOTS TB pharmacist, a public-private partnership developed by IPA to engage pharmacists in TB control programme. A short documentary on the project was shown during the session.
The afternoon session was conducted by FDA Drug Inspector KG Gadewar, who demonstrated the newly introduced online services of FDA. DR Gahane, Assistant Commissioner, FDA HQ discussed in detail about the Schedule H1 and its requirements.
A panel discussion was organised on ‘Community Pharmacy: Yesterday, today and tomorrow’. Dr Girish Gune, Past President IMA, DR Gahane, Gharat and Shedge participated in the panel discussion. The pharmacists were urged to provide patient- oriented services.
EP News Bureau– Mumbai