Join the pharma bandwagon

Updated on: Monday, August 31, 2009

Everybody is in a panic about Swine Flu. Large pharmaceutical companies are busy in the research and development (R&D) of an H1N1 vaccine. In fact, vaccination has become the only refuge in this era of deadly and unknown diseases and pharma companies are investing millions of dollars in the research and development of vaccines.

This has secured the career of pharma professionals. According to a McKinsey study report, in the coming three years the Indian domestic pharmaceutical market is expected to grow at the rate of 16 per cent and in 2015 the market will be worth USD 20 billion! “Last year all our students were placed. Around 30 companies including Ranbaxy, Dr Reddy’s Labs, Lupin, Wockhardt recruited from our campus,” says Dr. Pramil Tiwari Professor and Head, Department of Pharmacy Practice National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Chandigarh.

Owing to low-cost and skilled manpower, India has become a favourite destination for international pharma companies that focus on R&D. This sector needs more pharma professionals who are bent on research. “Companies are increasingly looking at spending more on R&D. Another key area of growth is the rural pharmaceutical industry. This can be attributed to rising rural incomes and better distribution channels,” says Rahul Sehgal, President, Nestor Pharmaceuticals.

A postgraduation in pharmacy therefore, is your entry ticket to this thriving market. Graduates could enter the profession as trainee chemists and go up to General Manager, Production, etc. “A postgraduate can directly enter a pharma research lab as a scientist and research associate in any R&D company,” says Dr. Tiwari. Faculty positions in pharmacy colleges are another area where you could start your career.

However, the sector is very competitive. You can reach the top only if you have that cutting edge. Pay packets are in the range of Rs. 3 lakh p.a. for M.Pharm graduates at the entry level.

Opportunities in pharmacy are not limited to the manufacture of drugs alone. As India is fast becoming a clinical research outsourcing (CRO) hub, more opportunities will be thrown open for postgraduates and doctorate degree holders in pharmacy. According to industry experts the demand for medicine, especially for diabetes and cardiovascular drugs will boom in the next three to four years. Since healthcare is something that cannot be put on the backburner, a career in the pharma sector is a safe bet.

So, if you have passed out of school with science, join a B.Pharma or D.Pharma course. D.Pharma is a basic diploma course in pharmacy of a two year duration while, B. Pharma is a four year degree course. After completing D.Pharma you could take admission in B. Pharma on the basis of lateral entry. After B. Pharma you go into an M. Pharma for specialisation. There are, at present, eight specialisations available in the country.

Institute watch

The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Chandigarh is the premier institute in country for pharmacy courses. NIPER offers only postgraduate courses and doctoral programmes.
* All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi (AIIMS)
* Chennai Medical College, Chennai
* Madurai Medical College, Madurai
* Deccan School of Pharmacy, Hyderabad
* Delhi Institute of Pharmaceu-tical Science & Research, DU
* Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
* BITS Pilani, Rajasthan
* Andhra University, Visakhapatnam
* Institute of Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare Management and Research, Jaipur

The list is indicative

Join the pharma bandwagon

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