Indian drugs are the most popular drugs in the whole world catering to almost 80 percent of the patients. India has a huge potential in the pharmaceutical sector but there is need to concentrate more on research and development. This was stated by Mr Oscar Fernandes, Union Minister, Govt of India and the Chief Guest on the occasion of the concluding ceremony of the three day Indian Pharmaceutical Congress at Amity University.

The minister extended his full support to the resolutions passed in the conference and assured that the government would take efficient measures in empowering pharmacists in the country. IPCA passed three resolutions on the final day of the conference. The first resolution passed by IPCA recommended a strict compliance of Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940 and Rules 1945 and the Pharmacy Act by all the Central and state level agencies. The strict compliance to these acts will help in reducing dispensing errors.

The second resolution recommended that the Pharmacy education at all levels must come under a single regulatory control and all powers should be vested with Pharmacy Council of India. It should have complete authority and accountability to improvise the educational standards at all levels. The third resolution sought an amendment in Rules 71 (1) and 76 (1) under Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945 according to which candidates possessing bachelors in pharmacy shall only be considered as expert technical staff in drug manufacturing and analysis.

B N Singh, Managing Director, Alkem Laboratories and the Guest of Honour on the final day of the conference said that there is a need to follow a well defined strategy to empower pharmacists. "We can empower pharmacists through continuous education, aligning the system and emphasize on better interaction and communication with the pharmacists and the society", said Singh. He said that there is an urgent need for skill development and training to empower pharmacists.

He said that the pharmaceutical education in India has evolved to a great extent and pharmacist associations and institutions must engage with the policy makers for the development of pharmacy education in India.

Atul Kumar Nasa, President, The 65th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress Association thanked the guests, dignitaries and all the delegates for making the Congress a huge success and supporting IPCA in passing the resolution seeking further action from the government.