I am a Student of Pharmaceutical Sciences and I am Happy

I am a Student of Pharmaceutical Sciences and I am Happy

Kamana Gautam

I am studying in the third year of my bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.Pharm.). Most often, this course is mentioned as ‘Pharmacy’ and unfortunately, public perception of pharmacy education is limited to buying and selling of drugs at retail pharmacies for a business purpose. However, pharmaceutical sciences hold a wide range of scope and diversity in professional roles. It covers every aspect of drugs from discovery, development, formulation, manufacturing at industries to dispensing, administration, drug action and effects on biological systems. Pharmacists also known as chemists or druggists are healthcare professionals with expertise in medicines.

Community pharmacy practice referred to as retail pharmacy is one of the services provided by pharmacists. As community pharmacists, they are the most accessible healthcare professionals and people seek them at the first before visiting a physician for any health issues. They are responsible for dispensing prescription and over the counter medicines, counseling regarding the use and side effects, reporting adverse effects, saving lives in emergency by providing first aid care, creating awareness in the community for promoting public health, screening the error on prescription to ensure safe and effective use of medicines for optimum therapeutic outcome. Beyond selling medicines they have critical roles in providing better healthcare service.

Pharmacists also work together with other health care professionals in hospitals and clinics designated as clinical pharmacists. They are involved in direct patient care in collaboration with physicians. They monitor the drug therapy and make sure the drug is providing optimal therapeutic effect. They also advise physicians on drug selection, dosing and possible drug interactions to promote rational use of drugs. Clinical pharmacy is widely practiced in developed countries but it is at the initial stage of growth in our country.

Pharmaceutical industries, the pivot of modern healthcare system offers various working areas for pharmacists. The modern medicines available today are the result of continuous effort of research scientists, pharmacists and pharmaceutical companies. Pharmaceutical scientists are engaged in research, discovery and development of drugs, vaccines and other medical aids. Pharmacists have an important role in safety studies, formulation management and clinical trials of drug development. Pharmacists are engaged in designing, formulating dosage form, production, store management and quality control of the finished products. They are also involved in marketing, distribution and sales handling. Amid this COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of the pharmaceutical industry in developing vaccines and medicines has been highlighted. Similarly, the pharmacists were the one who provided healthcare service during the lockdown period.

Academia, regulatory bodies and forensic departments are some other areas where pharmacists find their position. Some pharmacists provide training and facilitation to the workers in industries and health institutions. Even pharmacists have the opportunity to get involved in international organizations working for health and research. There are a lot of opportunities to work as a pharmacist in different fields of interest. In all of these professional roles of pharmacists, there lies a responsibility towards the well being of people. Sometimes, one single dose of medicine is sufficient to save life and pharmacist is the one who made it possible. Healing the sufferings with magical tablets brings hope and smiles to many faces. That is why I am happy being a pharmaceutical science student.

This article is written by Kamana Gautam. She is studying Bachelor in Pharmacy at Pokhara University. If you would like to write a similar article, send us an Email : Pharmainfonepal1@gmail.com