World Pharmacists Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm at N.E.T. Pharmacy College, Raichur, in collaboration with the Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration, Government of Karnataka.
The programme was graced by distinguished dignitaries from the pharmaceutical, healthcare, academic, and administrative sectors. The dignitaries on the dais included Mr. Uday Kishore P., Assistant Drugs Controller, Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration, Raichur, who was the Chief Guest; Dr. H. Doddayya, Principal, N.E.T. Pharmacy College; Mr. Sachin, Assistant Drugs Controller, Department of Food Safety and Drugs Administration, Raichur; and Mr. Binu K. M., Associate Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacy Practice, N.E.T. Pharmacy College.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lamp lighting, followed by the presentation of bouquets to the dignitaries. Dr. T. Shivaraj Gowda, Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacology, delivered the welcome address. Dr. Chandramouli, Professor and Head, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, introduced the dignitaries and welcomed the gathering.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Uday Kishore P., Assistant Drugs Controller, Raichur, highlighted the significant role of pharmacists in patient care. He emphasized that pharmacists play an important role in dispensing medicines and providing patients with appropriate guidance regarding their safe and effective use. He noted that the contribution of pharmacists towards safeguarding public health often remains behind the scenes but is of immense importance.
Addressing the students, he encouraged them to recognize their professional responsibilities and contribute towards the growth and development of the pharmaceutical sector. He also stressed the importance of recognizing and honouring pharmacists who render dedicated and selfless services to society.
Presiding over the programme, Dr. H. Doddayya, Principal, N.E.T. Pharmacy College, stated that the college has been celebrating World Pharmacists Day every year on September 25 since 2013, by organizing various academic and cultural activities for students.
He highlighted the diverse roles and responsibilities of pharmacists in education, research, administration, community pharmacy, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning, professional development, and skill enhancement among pharmacists to realize the theme of the year, “Empowering Pharmacists for a Healthy Future.”
He further stated that pharmacists should continuously update their knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to healthcare delivery and play a meaningful role in building a healthier society and nation.
Mrs. Deepali Patil, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, administered the Pharmacists’ Pledge to the gathering.
The programme was compered by Aditya Kalyankar, Pharm.D Intern, N.E.T. Pharmacy College.
District-Level Outstanding Pharmacist Awards
As part of the celebration, the District-Level Outstanding Pharmacist Award (Academic) was conferred upon Mr. Pramod Kumar, Principal, V.L. Pharmacy College, Raichur, in recognition of his remarkable 33 years of service in pharmacy education, research, and administration.
The District-Level Outstanding Pharmacist Award (Community) was presented to Mr. C. Pradeep Kumar of Vani Medicals, in recognition of his dedicated service as a community pharmacist.
The award recipients, Mr. Pramod Kumar and Mr. C. Pradeep Kumar, expressed their gratitude for the recognition and appreciation of their professional services.
The programme was also addressed by Mr. Basavaraj S., District President, Karnataka Government Pharmacists’ Association, Mr. Haji Malang, Pharmacist, and Mr. Basanna, Senior Pharmacist, who shared their views and experiences related to the pharmacy profession.
Student Competitions and Prize Distribution
As part of the World Pharmacists Day celebrations, various academic and creative competitions were organized for the students. Dr. Syed Mohammed, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, announced the results of the competitions.
Quiz Competition
- Winner: Aditya Kalyankar and Vishwa Simha Reddy
- Runner-Up: Mohammed Saqeeb and Khan Labeesh
Poster Presentation Competition
- Winner: Sneha Prakash
- Runner-Up: Laxman
Leaflet Designing Competition
- Winner: V. Sougath Reddy
- Runner-Up: Mahima Angel
Caricature Competition
- Winner: Vishwagagan
- Runner-Up: Krishnaprasad
Medals and certificates were presented to the winners and runners-up in recognition of their achievements.
The programme was attended by Prof. C. Suresh Babu, Director, Administration, and Dr. V. Ramamohan Gupta, Director, Academic Development and Research, Navodaya Education Trust, Raichur.
The gathering also included RMO, NMCH & RC; Dr. Anand, Vice Principal, Navodaya Medical College; Dr. Pramod Kumar, Principal, V.L. College of Pharmacy; Dr. Anand, Vice Principal, V.L. College of Pharmacy; faculty members of V.L. College of Pharmacy; Mr. Basavaraj S., District President, Karnataka Government Pharmacists’ Association; community pharmacists; hospital pharmacists; senior pharmacists from Raichur district; N.E.T. Pharmacy College faculty members; Pharm.D interns; and students.
The presence of pharmacists and healthcare professionals from different sectors added significance to the celebration and provided students with an opportunity to interact with experienced professionals from the field.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Pradnya Patil, Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, who expressed gratitude to the chief guest, dignitaries, award recipients, pharmacists, faculty members, students, organizers, and all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the programme.
The celebration served as a meaningful platform to recognize the valuable contributions of pharmacists, honour distinguished professionals, encourage student participation, and inspire future pharmacists to uphold professional excellence and contribute towards safer and healthier communities.