On an international level, India is one of the largest suppliers of generic drugs–over 80% of the anti-retroviral drugs used globally to combat AIDS are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical firms. Low costs of production and increasing private sector investments in research and development have been propelling the Indian pharmaceutical industry to greater heights.
WHAT PHARMACISTS DO
The pharmaceutical industry’s primary focus is research and development. Jobs in the healthcare industry, with roles pertaining to quality control, production, and manufacturing of cosmetics, toiletries, and drugs, are also common for pharmacists. A combination of Finance and Pharmacy opens up opportunities in fields like Consulting and Health Economics. Apart from the usual Master’s or PhD options, a student may pursue an MBA or LLB after graduation for careers in Management, such as a Pharma-Biotechnology programme or pharmaceutical law.
WHAT YOU STUDY AT BITS TO BECOME ONE
From their very first year, students are exposed to subjects like Dispensing Pharmacy and Anatomy, Physiology, and Hygiene. The second and third year syllabus includes subjects like Pharmacology, Microbiology, Pharmaceutical Analysis, Medicinal Chemistry, and Forensic Pharmacy. Most of these courses are theoretical in nature, but are accompanied by laboratory work, which provides valuable first-hand experience for students who intend to pursue a career in research. Certain discipline electives like Biopharmaceutics are designed to provide an insight into possible career paths.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AFTER GRADUATING
Pharmacy can be broadly classified into pharmaceutics, pharmacognosy, pharmacology, quality assurance, and pharmaceutical chemistry. People intending to stay in core pharmacy generally go for higher studies, be it an M.S., M. Pharm or PhD. In recent years, BITSians have been hired by companies such as Pharma Ace and Novartis and by institutes such as Carnegie Mellon University, for profiles related to healthcare analytics. Quite a few BITSians go on to pursue an MBA and take up a career in healthcare management.
Options for higher education include pharmaceutical quality assurance, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacology, and cosmetic sciences. A postgraduate degree in any field related to pharmacy such as toxicology, pharmacology, pharmaceutics, biotechnology, and clinical pharmacy opens doors to government medical organizations. One can also pursue research or work in the R&D department of pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies. BITSians have enrolled in universities in various countries, including the US, UK, Netherlands, and Singapore.