A Proposal to the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI):
Leveraging DigiPharmed for Pharmacy Education and Practice
To: The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI)
Subject: Adoption of Digital Technologies under the Concept of "DigiPharmed"
Respected Members of the Pharmacy Council of India,
With the rapid evolution of digital healthcare globally, the integration of digital technologies into pharmacy education and practice is crucial. The concept of DigiPharmed—the use of digital innovations in pharmacy—offers a pathway to transform pharmacy services and elevate the role of pharmacists in India's healthcare system.
Below are the proposed suggestions for PCI to adopt and implement DigiPharmed initiatives:
1. #integrationOfDigitalHealth - IntoPharmacy Education
Incorporate health informatics and digital health technologies into the pharmacy curriculum (e.g., AI, machine learning, blockchain, telepharmacy, and digital therapeutics).
1. #DevelopVirtualLabsAndSimulation - Based training platforms for practical skill enhancement.
Introduce specialized certifications in areas like telepharmacy operations, pharmacovigilance through digital platforms, and digital therapeutics.
2. Promotion of Telepharmacy and Remote Healthcare Services
a. Establish guidelines for ethical telepharmacy practices, ensuring compliance with national laws like the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
b. Create a framework for training pharmacists in teleconsultation, remote medication management, and e-prescriptions.
c. Collaborate with state health departments to implement telepharmacy services in rural and underserved areas.
3.#AlignmentWithNationalDigitalHealthMission (NDHM)
a. Actively participate in the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) by:
b. Integrating pharmacists into electronic health record (EHR) systems.
c. Training pharmacy professionals to use digital prescription platforms and healthcare interoperability tools.
4.#DigitalEnabledPharmacovigilance
a. Promote the use of digital tools like the PvPI (Pharmacovigilance Programme of India) mobile app for real-time adverse drug reaction reporting.
b. Encourage automation in pharmacovigilance systems to ensure safety and efficiency
5. #CapacityBuilding - Under Continuous Education
a. Conduct national-level workshops and webinars to train pharmacists in digital healthcare tools and emerging technologies.
b. Collaborate with technology partners to provide access to the latest innovations in pharmacy practice.
6. #AddressThe Challenges - in Creating Opportunities
a. Position pharmacists as key contributors in India’s digital healthcare transformation.
b. Facilitate partnerships with global and national tech companies to introduce cutting-edge solutions in pharmacy practice.
At the outset, By adopting the concept of #DigiPharmed and #PharmacarePCI can revolutionize pharmacy education and practice, enhancing accessibility, efficiency, and healthcare outcomes across India. This initiative will also position India as a global leader in digital pharmacy innovations.
I urge PCI to consider these suggestions and take a proactive role in implementing DigiPharmed strategies for the future of pharmacy profession in India.
With sincere regards,
Bhagavan P. S.
Retd. Dy Dir. Pharmacy
H&FWS, Karnstaka.
Frmr. Registrar, KSPC
Bengaluru.
#PCI
#APTI
