Pharmacy education 2.0 with special reference to digital India

Abstract

Indian pharmacy education has grown and changed, producing trained individuals needed in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Pharmacy education in India is reviewed here, noting its merits, weaknesses, and future possibilities. India has many pharmacy schools, with a concentration in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) regulates curriculum and infrastructure. Diploma, undergraduate (B. Pharm), postgraduate (M. Pharm), and doctoral (Ph.D.) pharmacy programs serve students with varied professional goals. Students learn basic pharmaceutical sciences, technology, medication interactions, clinical pharmacy, and regulation to prepare for healthcare careers. Through experiential learning, creative methods, and digital resources, the teaching methods integrate academic knowledge with practical applications. Students' critical thinking and involvement improve with collaborative learning. Quality pharmacy education is ensured by qualified instructors, research culture, and industry exposure. Faculty development programs improve teaching and research skills. Along with academic guidance, student research projects create a research mindset. Industry-academia partnership enhances students' experiences and employability through internships, cooperative research, guest lectures, and technology transfer. Specialization and transdisciplinary programs can help Indian pharmaceutical education meet industrial needs. Focusing on research-oriented learning and sponsoring research projects will boost innovation and science. The merger of AI and precision medicine will prepare graduates for the future of healthcare. Faculty development programs will keep academics current, and industry-government-academia collaboration will solve healthcare problems. Growth requires filling skill gaps, responding to the changing healthcare market, and assuring quality and consistency. Transparency, accountability, and global recognition depend on accreditation. Pharmacy education in India can produce skilled pharmacists that promote healthcare and science by addressing obstacles and embracing the future. Pharmacy education will become a cornerstone of healthcare excellence and innovation in India with ongoing stakeholder initiatives.