Scope of pharmaceutical industry in India:
The job of Pharmacy is one of the superior jobs in the world as the whole industry is successful. But in India a great talent pool is readily available. As a result, majority of Pharmaceutical giants of the world are setting up their subdivisions in India making a career in Pharmacy industry fascinating in India.
Courses and training:
The study of pharmacy is at the following levels after class 12th - Diploma courses are of 2 years' duration, degree courses of 4 years' duration.
1. After graduate degree in pharmacy, M Pharma course of 2 years duration can be undertaken.
2. Graduates in pharmacy can choose postgraduate study in biotechnology, particularly if they aspire to become research scientists.
3. Postgraduates and doctorates are selected for research, production, quality control and management positions.
Placements and prospects:
Pharmacists work in these 4 areas:
1. Hospital pharmacists-Undertake responsibility for stock control, labeling and financial budgeting storage, placing orders and account-keeping for the dispensary.
2. Retail pharmacists- In medical retail stores, the pharmacist prepare and dispense drugs on prescription to the general consumer.
3. Industrial pharmacists- Industrial pharmacists carry out clinical trials, where drugs are tested for safety in research and development to develop new formulations.
4. Research pharmacists- Research pharmacists are involved in research activities in pharmaceutical industry, research organizations and laboratories.
Job prospects:
A large number of multinational companies are collaborating with leading Indian companies as well as government labs, thus offering many job opportunities for qualified professionals. Drug and pharmaceutical industry employ graduates, postgraduates and doctorates with a background in pharmacy as management trainees for their production units, operations, as well as for quality control and quality certification. Registered pharmacists work in hospitals and medical dispensing stores, health centre, in pharmaceutical industry, analytical and research and development divisions.