Integration of Pharmacy Education and Pharmacovigilance: Scope and Challenges in India

Abstract:

Aim: Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) are the two professional organizations which are presently regulating the pharmacy education in India. Curriculum change of pharmacy education has been undertaken by central government notification as per amendment of pharmacy act. Methods: All the information and data has been obtained from standard articles, books and official websites including current scenario and topics. Results: Introduction of Pharm. D program concerning the significance of Pharmacy Practice and clinical exposure for students is a remarkable step taken by PCI in the year 2008. Pharmacovigilance (PV) is the science, which maintains the safety and rational therapy, making an essential checkpoint for regulatory utilization and movement of drugs and medicines is main component of pharmacy practice. However, in spite of all the achievements regarding the significance of PV and its efforts, awareness and knowledge about rational utilization of drugs and its side effects is low. However, an aspect common to all developing countries, despite of economic level is that the PV education in universities is far below the minimum requirements to sustain an effective drug monitoring system. Conclusion: As future prospects increase, PV systems capable to detect new ADRs and taking regulatory actions are needed to protect public health which will achieved only by further strengthening the existence system and enhancing the quality of PV education.

Key words: Pharmacovigilance, Pharmacy education, Awareness, Students Empowerment, Pharm. D, Career opportunities.