|
Tamil Nadu has secured its position as the leading state in delegate participation for this year's 74th Indian Pharmaceutical Congress (IPC), which will be held from December 19 to 21 at the Bengaluru Industrial Exhibition Centre (BIEC).
The state is sending a large delegation, including 1,400 pharmacy students and 430 teachers, according to reliable sources from the Association of Pharmacy Teachers of India (APTI). This impressive turnout highlights the commitment of the state's pharmacy colleges to engage with the national pharmaceutical agenda.
The IPC organising committee has closed new entries after reaching the saturation limit of 8,000 registrations, though the massive participation figures from Tamil Nadu have certainly contributed to this milestone, solidifying the state as the number one in sending delegation. This year's IPC is particularly significant for students, as the theme focuses on 'AI & Technology in Pharma - Educate, Innovate and Empower'. With the APTI as the organising committee, delegates are poised to gain deep insights into AI-driven innovations through scientific presentations and exhibitions, as emphasized by Dr V Sankar, president of the APTI, Tamil Nadu state branch.
The congress has also attracted significant national and international interest. Speaking to Pharmabiz, Dr. Sankar confirmed that 20 states from across India are participating, along with a number of pharmacy institutions from foreign countries visiting the Bengaluru IPC. The students from abroad are also attending to witness the AI-driven innovations showcased in the exhibition, and meritorious foreign students will also be provided opportunities for oral presentations.
Regarding the participation from Tamil Nadu, Dr Sankar further noted that out of the state's 110 institutions, 40 colleges have confirmed registrations. Both students and teachers attending the IPC will have the opportunity to present scientific papers. Specifically, students who submit high-ranking presentations will be allowed to make oral presentations to the congress delegates.
"Attending the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress offers pharmacy students tremendous benefits, starting with exposure to cutting-edge knowledge and innovation, particularly in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology in drug discovery and patient care, which is vital for future careers. The IPC serves as an essential convergence point for over 10,000 delegates, providing unparalleled networking opportunities to connect with industry leaders, employers, and mentors. Furthermore, students can showcase their academic excellence by participating in scientific paper presentations and learning about best research methodologies from experts. The comprehensive Pharma Expo will give students invaluable industry and career insights. In summary, the IPC is a unique and comprehensive platform that effectively bridges the gap between academic theory and industry practice, directly boosting students' competency and employability”, he told Pharmabiz.
The students attending the IPC will benefit from dedicated engagement programmes, including a separate HR Conclave where they can interact with senior-level officers from major pharmaceutical companies. Similarly, a specialized quiz programme will be conducted exclusively for the students, further enhancing their engagement and testing their pharmaceutical knowledge.
Dr. Sankar, who also serves as an executive committee member of the IPC, highlighted that the entire event will be managed by an AI-App system. Delegates will gain entry to the halls using the official IPC App and a bar code, ensuring that all programmes and access control are fully automated and technologically streamlined.
|