Lucknow: Integral University in Lucknow organised a special programme titled “Pharma Anveshan” to mark National Pharmacy Education Day. The event was jointly organised by the Department of Pharmacy and the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences to commemorate the contributions of M. L. Schroff, widely regarded as the father of pharmacy education in India.
The programme aimed to highlight Prof. Schroff’s pioneering role in the development of pharmacy education and to raise awareness about the evolving role of pharmacists in healthcare services and research. Discussions during the event emphasised the need for stronger coordination between academia, industry, research institutions, regulatory bodies and professional practice to strengthen the pharmaceutical sector in India.
The programme began with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr.) Syed Misbahul Hasan, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, who welcomed the chief guests, faculty members and students. In his address, he spoke about the contributions of Prof. M. L. Schroff and the growth of pharmacy education in the country.
The event featured R. A. Gupta, National President of the Indian Hospital Pharmacists’ Association (IHPA), and Sunil Kumar Yadav, Chief Pharmacist and former Chairman of the State Pharmacy Council, as keynote speakers.
In his address, R. A. Gupta highlighted the importance of safe disposal of medicines, the issue of vacant pharmacist posts in government institutions, and encouraged students to study important reference texts such as the National Formulary of India and the Indian Pharmacopoeia.
Sunil Kumar Yadav spoke about the expanding role of pharmacists both in India and abroad, stressing their importance in ensuring safe and effective use of medicines. He also noted that medicines can sometimes deteriorate even before their labelled expiry date and that understanding and managing such situations requires the expertise of a qualified pharmacist.
The event was coordinated by Prof. (Dr.) Tariq Mahmood, Prof. (Dr.) Kuldeep Singh, and Dr. Irfan Aziz, Principal of the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, who played key roles in organising the programme.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. (Dr.) Zuber Akhtar, Head of the Department of Pharmacy, who expressed gratitude to the guests, organisers, faculty members and students for their participation. The event ended with the singing of the national anthem.
