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The Gujarat state board of the Indian Pharmacist Association has recently convened its executive meeting in Vadodara with a strong focus on the advancement and welfare of pharmacists.
The meeting brought together representatives from education, government hospitals, private hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry and trade to deliberate on pressing issues and plan upcoming initiatives.
A significant highlight of the meeting was the announcement that World Pharmacists Day (WPD) will be celebrated on 25th September in Surat. The event will mark the launch of the official website of the state association along with the online membership registration platform, a move aimed at streamlining pharmacist engagement and fostering statewide connectivity among professionals.
In a move welcomed by many in the pharmacist community, Indian Pharmacist Association Gujarat has decided to submit a representation to the Gujarat State Pharmacy Council (GSPC), urging the discontinuation of the current online format of refresher courses. The association advocates for a return to offline mode, emphasizing the importance of interactive, hands-on learning for continuing professional development.
The association also raised a call for reform in pharmacy business ownership regulations. It proposed that ownership of retail pharmacy stores in the state be restricted to only registered pharmacists, to ensure professional integrity and better compliance with pharmaceutical standards.
In a similar move, the association resolved to submit a representation to the council to ensure that wholesale pharmacy licenses are granted solely to registered pharmacists. This is aimed at minimizing unethical practices and promoting the role of qualified professionals in drug distribution and supply chain management.
Further, a notable decision taken during the meeting was to submit a representation for the inclusion of pharmacy as a subject in the Recruitment Rules (RR) for Range Forest Officer (RFO) and Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF). The association emphasized the importance of expanding career opportunities for pharmacists in multidisciplinary government roles.
To address growing employment challenges within the sector, the pharmacist association announced the upcoming launch of a dedicated job portal for pharmacists. This platform will aim to connect job-seeking pharmacists with opportunities in academia, industry, healthcare, and government sectors.
Another key issue discussed was the conduct of interviews under Gujarat Technological University (GTU). Indian Pharmacist Association Gujarat emphasized the need for council representative presence during these interviews to ensure fairness and standardization. The association also raised concerns over repetitive interview requirements and suggested reforms.
In the meeting, a new executive committee was formed. Hardik Brahmbhatt was unanimously appointed as president, Haresh Korat as vice president, and Jignesh Patel as general secretary, along with the selection of zonal presidents. The leadership affirmed its commitment to championing the interests of pharmacists and implementing the resolutions passed during the meeting.
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