I think this should be done" A bridge course for connecting Pharm D and MBBS". (SARCASM) Pharmacist A HealthCare professional? If so why pharmacy course is not?. Has the Pharmacy education been got included in National Health Education Manual?

I think this should be done : " A bridge course for connecting Pharm D and MBBS". This shall allow to produce talents and experts who have amalgamated, comprehensive  knowledge of  all the 3 most important aspects of healthcare which are medicine( for diagnosis of disease), pharmacy( for authentic knowledge of medications for prescription writing) and surgery (of course for operations). This has to definitely improve  and enhance quality of patient-care manyfolds . Why we shall always follow USA or western setups of education and service systems? They are good no doubt, as they are rich countries with large budgets for healthcare; but sometimes we must take initiatives and become leaders and provide path-breaking or a new-path setting grounds for others to follow.
Therefore I wrote a mail to secretory of MCI (secretary@mciindia.org), requesting for the same. It goes as follows:

Respected Sir/Madam,

I am currently pursuing 2nd year of PharmD (Post baccalaureate), which is a relatively a new curriculum started by PCI since 2008 and which is clinically oriented pharmacy. Up till now pharmacy in India was industry oriented i.e. pharmacist was more into manufacturing,sales,research of discovery of novel molecules and invention of formulations etc.But now with the advent of PharmD, it has become clinically oriented i.e. now a pharmacist is given an opportunity, allowed and equipped to play a role in direct patient care, giving pharmaceutical care. 
Madam, PharmD syllabus framed by PCI contains many pharmacy related subjects along with the subjects which are present in common in both MBBS and PharmD curriculum, i.e. subjects like anatomy and physiology (a lot lesser of it is there in PharmD), Pathophysiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Biopharmaceutics (a lot more of it is there in PharmD). 
Madam, I have a great respect for MBBS course and for physicians and surgeons. And I am currently 29 year old man. This is to ask you whether its feasible/ possible that a new course/curriculum may be framed and started by MCI within two to three years, which can bridge this gap between PharmD and MBBS.That is, a bridge-course(of 3years duration) which shall allow a PharmD graduate to be certified as MBBS,upon successfully completion of such a course. This may bring a new input, perspective and vision in patient care, to MBBS/physician as well as provide an opportunity, encourage, help fulfil dreams and strong aspirations of human beings like me, who wish to study such a curriculum, get a medical license, be a physician and earnestly want to play that very role in the healthcare system, at this stage and age of our lives.  
May all this come into effect for the 2014-2015 session.

Hoping for an encouraging, enlightening and positive reply on this request from you.

Yours truly,

Samrat Paul

Pharmacist A HealthCare professional? If so why pharmacy course is not?.

Has the Pharmacy education been got included in National Health Education Manual?

Yes, Pharmacy is included in the national health education framework in India, particularly through the initiatives of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) and its alignment with national health policies. 

Key details regarding the inclusion of pharmacy in national health education include:

• Revised Curriculum: The Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm) and Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) curricula are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on integrating pharmaceutical sciences with healthcare demands.
• Public Health Roles: Pharmacists are recognized for their role in National Health Programs (NHPs) such as HIV/AIDS awareness, tobacco control, and tuberculosis control (RNTCP).
• Competency-Based Training: The Education Regulations 2020 for the D. Pharm course (approved by the PCI) focus on professional training, and the PCI has implemented an Exit Examination to ensure standard quality among graduates.
• Patient Counseling: The curriculum emphasizes "Health Education and Community Pharmacy," aiming to educate students on public health, patient counseling, and medication safety. 

In addition, pharmacists are considered vital members of the healthcare team, and their role is increasingly recognized within the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) for health facilities. 

When pharmacy is included in national health education manual ?

Pharmacy was formalized in the national education framework of India with the enactment of the Pharmacy Act in 1948, which established the first minimum standards of educational qualification for pharmacy practice. 

Key developments in the inclusion and evolution of pharmacy in national education include:

• 1948 (Pharmacy Act): Established to regulate the profession and education, creating the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI).
• Pharm.D. Regulations 2008: Introduced a six-year Pharm.D. program to integrate clinical pharmacy into healthcare.
• Education Regulation 2020: Updated the diploma course curriculum (ER-2020) and mandated specific staff-to-student ratios for B.Pharm and D.Pharm courses.
• NEP 2020 Alignment: The Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) curriculum is currently designed in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to focus on outcomes-based education. 

Social Pharmacy was notably introduced into the D.Pharm Part-I syllabus, aligning pharmacy education with public health needs. 

Pharmacy is officially included in Indian national health education, curriculum, and public health standards through the Pharmacy Act of 1948, which established the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) to regulate the profession. 

Key milestones for the inclusion of pharmacy in national health education and guidelines include:

• 1948 (Pharmacy Act): Set the first minimum standard of educational qualification for pharmacy practice.
• 2007/2012 (Indian Public Health Standards - IPHS): Pharmacy services were integrated into public health facilities (PHCs, CHCs, etc.), establishing the role of pharmacists in the national health delivery system.
• Education Regulation (ER) 2020/2021: Updated by the PCI to align with modern educational standards, specifically for diploma courses and, more recently, aligning B.Pharm curricula with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to focus on health, industry, and technology.
• National Health Policy 2017: Emphasized the strengthening of the health system by 2020–2025, which includes the integration of pharmacists in primary care. 

Contextual Inclusion:
Pharmacy studies in India, such as B.Pharm and D.Pharm, include comprehensive curricula on health education, community pharmacy, and national health programs. Furthermore, the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) has recommended the inclusion of specialized "Pharmaceuticals" sub-chapters in national policies to address pharmacists' roles in drug regulation and quality control. 

Pharmacy was formally and legally included as a regulated profession in India through the Pharmacy Act of 1948, which established the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) to set minimum educational qualifications for pharmacy practice. While pharmacy education existed earlier, the 1948 Act provided the foundation for incorporating pharmacy into national health education and services. 

Key milestones for the inclusion of pharmacy in national education and public health include:

• 1948 – The Pharmacy Act: The primary legislation that established minimum standards of education, formalizing the training required for pharmacy practice.
• 1991 – Revision of D.Pharm Syllabus: The Education Regulations (ER) framed in 1991 standardizes the Diploma in Pharmacy curriculum nationwide.
• 1996–1997 – Clinical Pharmacy Introduction: M.Pharm programs in pharmacy practice were introduced at JSS College of Pharmacy to shift focus from product to patient-centered services.
• 2008 – Introduction of Pharm.D: The 6-year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program was introduced, marking a significant, formal integration of pharmacists into clinical settings and patient care.
• 2020 – National Education Policy (NEP) & ER-2020: Pharmacy education has been updated to align with the NEP 2020, focusing on skill-based learning. Furthermore, the D.Pharm Education Regulations 2020 (ER-2020) replaced the 1991 syllabus to align with modern community pharmacy practice. 

Key Inclusion in Health Education and Public Health:

• Health Education and Community Pharmacy: This subject was integrated into the diploma curriculum, focusing on education in nutrition, family planning, and communicable diseases.
• National Health Programs (NHPs): Recently, pharmacists are formally being included in national initiatives, such as the National Health Mission (NHM) and the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), strengthening their role in community health. 

Bariatric Surgery

Weight loss (bariatric) surgery, such as gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or banding, helps individuals with severe obesity (typically BMI 

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 or 

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) lose weight by restricting food intake or reducing nutrient absorption. These procedures frequently resolve obesity-related conditions like type 2 diabetes and hypertension. 

Common Types of Weight Loss Surgery

• Sleeve Gastrectomy (Gastric Sleeve): Removes a large portion of the stomach, leaving a banana-shaped sleeve that restricts food intake.
• Gastric Bypass (Roux-en-Y): Creates a small stomach pouch and connects it directly to the small intestine, bypassing part of the stomach and small intestine to reduce both intake and calorie absorption.
• Adjustable Gastric Band: A ring with an inflatable band is placed around the top of the stomach to limit food intake.
• Biliopancreatic Diversion with Duodenal Switch: A complex procedure combining, a smaller stomach pouch with a substantial reduction in nutrient absorption. 

Eligibility Criteria

• BMI of 40 or higher, or a BMI of 35-39.9 with serious obesity-related comorbidities (e.g., diabetes, sleep apnea).
• Some guidelines suggest a BMI of 27.5-32.5+ for the Asian Indian population with comorbidities.
• Recommended when other weight-loss methods like diet, exercise, or medication have failed. 

Benefits and Results

• Significant Weight Loss: Patients often experience significant and sustained weight loss.
• Health Improvement: High rates of improvement or reversal of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
• Enhanced Metabolism: Many procedures alter hormone levels to decrease hunger and increase fullness. 

Risks and Considerations

• Requires lifelong dietary changes and nutritional supplements to prevent deficiencies.
• Risks can include bleeding, infection, blood clots, or long-term issues like dumping syndrome or hernia.
• Requires comprehensive pre-operative evaluation and long-term follow-up care. 

Procedure Techniques
Most surgeries are performed using minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopy (small incisions, camera) or robotics, which offer quicker recovery times

Government of india, Ministry of AYUSH

The Ministry of Ayush was formed on the 9th of November 2014 with a vision of reviving the profound knowledge of our ancient systems of medicine and ensuring the optimal development and propagation of the Ayush systems of healthcare. Earlier, the Department of Indian System of Medicine and Homoeopathy (ISM&H) formed in 1995, was responsible for the development of these systems. It was then renamed as the Department of Ayurveda, Yoga, and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (Ayush) in November 2003 with focused attention towards education and research in Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy.

BHMS

BHMS stands for Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery, a 5.5-year undergraduate degree in India focused on alternative, holistic medicine. It trains students to diagnose and treat patients using natural healing methods, including a 4.5-year academic study and a 1-year compulsory internship. 

Key Details About BHMS:

• Course Structure: The curriculum covers Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacy, Materia Medica, and Organon of Medicine
  .
Eligibility: Students typically need a 10+2 qualification with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, along with passing the NEET entrance exam.
Duration: 5.5 years, including 4.5 years of academic study and 1 year of internship.
Career Opportunities: Graduates become licensed homeopathic doctors capable of working in private clinics, government hospitals, or pursuing higher education.

BHMS is distinct from MBBS, as it specializes in homeopathic principles rather than allopathic medicine. 

BHMS CCH refers to the Central Council of Homoeopathy (CCH), the former statutory regulatory body in India that governed homeopathy education and practice under the Ministry of AYUSH. It was responsible for regulating the Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) degree course. Note that the CCH has been replaced by the National Commission for Homoeopathy (NCH). 

Key Details Regarding CCH and BHMS:

• Role: The CCH (now NCH) regulates BHMS education, ensuring standards in admission, curriculum, and examinations.
• BHMS: Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery, a 5.5-year undergraduate degree.
• Context: While CCH primarily means the regulatory council, BHMS graduates may also pursue a "Certificate in Community Health" (CCH/Bridge Course) to work in health centers. 

Synonyms/Related Terms:

• NCH (National Commission for Homoeopathy): The new governing body replacing CCH.
• Council of Homoeopathy: Frequently used to refer to the central governing body. 

BAMS

BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) is a 5.5-year undergraduate degree in India integrating traditional Ayurveda with modern medicine. It covers subjects like anatomy, physiology, and herbal medicine, requiring a NEET-qualified 12th-grade pass (PCB). Graduates work as registered Ayurvedic doctors. 

Key Details About BAMS:

• Duration: 5.5 years (4.5 years academic study + 1-year mandatory internship)
  .
Full Form: Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery.
Admission Process: Admission is based on the NEET-UG exam.
Curriculum: Studies cover Rachana Sharir (Anatomy), Kriya Sharir (Physiology), Ayurveda Samhita (Classical texts), Dravyaguna (Pharmacology), and modern medical subjects.
Career Scope: Graduates can work as Ayurvedic doctors, Medical Officers, Panchakarma Specialists, or in research/pharmaceuticals.
Salary: Starting salaries typically range from INR 3 LPA to INR 15 LPA.
Further Studies: Graduates can pursue PG courses like MD (Ayurveda) or MS (Ayurveda). 

The program is regulated by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM). 

Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations( Orange Book)

Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations, commonly known as the Orange Book, is a publication produced by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as required by the Drug Price and Competition Act (Hatch-Waxman Act).

The Hatch-Waxman Act was created to '"strike a balance between two competing policy interests:

1. inducing pioneering research and development of new drugs and
2. enabling competitors to bring low-cost, generic copies of those drugs to market'".^[1]

The Orange Book identifies drug products approved on the basis of safety and effectiveness by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The publication does not include drugs on the market approved only on the basis of safety (covered by the ongoing Drug Efficacy Study Implementation [DESI] review [e.g., Donnatal Tablets and Librax Capsules] or pre-1938 drugs [e.g., Phenobarbital Tablets]). The main criterion for the inclusion of any product is that the product is the subject of an application with an effective approval that has not been withdrawn for safety or efficacy reasons. Inclusion of products on the List is independent of any current regulatory action through administrative or judicial means against a drug product.

In addition, the Orange Book contains therapeutic equivalence evaluations (2 character rating codes) for approved multisource prescription drug products (generic drugs). These evaluations have been prepared to serve as public information and advice to state health agencies, prescribers, and pharmacists to promote public education in the area of drug product selection and to foster containment of health care costs.^[2] Therapeutic equivalence evaluations in this publication are not official FDA actions affecting the legal status of products under the Act.

Finally, the Orange Book lists patents that are purported to protect each drug. Patent listings and use codes are provided by the drug application owner, and the FDA is obliged to list them. In order for a generic drug manufacturer to win approval of a drug under the Hatch-Waxman Act, the generic manufacturer must certify that they will not launch their generic until after the expiration of the Orange Book-listed patent, or that the patent is invalid, unenforceable, or that the generic product will not infringe the listed patent.

The Orange Book does not list biological products such as vaccines. These are listed in later-enacted Lists of Licensed Biological Products with Reference Product Exclusivity and Biosimilarity or Interchangeability Evaluations, commonly known as the Purple Book.^[3]

The DrugPatentWatch website offers a "Free DrugPatentWatch Orange Book PDF Library" from which the public can download digital copies of every FDA Orange Book, from the 1st Edition in 1980 to the most recent (as of 2020)

B. Pharm (Honours)

A Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) is a 4-year undergraduate degree, often spanning 8 semesters, that offers specialized, research-oriented training in pharmaceutical sciences beyond the standard curriculum. It prepares students for careers in drug R&D, clinical research, and pharmacy practice, with enhanced training in areas like pharmacovigilance and biotechnology.

Key Details for B.Pharm Honours:

• Duration & Structure: 4 years (8 semesters). Includes core subjects like Pharmaceutics, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Pharmacognosy, often with an added research-focused "honours" subject or dissertation project.
• Eligibility: Typically requires 10+2 with a minimum of 50-60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics.
• Key Differences (Hons. vs Regular): Often involves more intensive practical training, in-hand knowledge via research projects, and specialized elective choices.
• Career Opportunities: Graduates find roles in R&D, Clinical Trials, Formulation Development, and Regulatory Affairs in top companies like Sunpharma, Cipla, and Dr. Reddy's.
• Top Institutions (India): BITS Pilani, Jamia Hamdard, and various specialized Pharmacy Colleges approved by the PCI (Pharmacy Council of India). 

• Pharmaceutics: Drug manufacturing and formulation.
• Pharmacology: Effects of medicine on the human body.
• Medicinal Chemistry: Chemical composition of drugs.
• Pharmacognosy: Natural sources of medicines.
• Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics: Body’s interaction with drugs. 

Yes, B.Pharm Honours (B.Pharm Hons) is different from a regular B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy), primarily in depth, curriculum, and research focus. While both are 4-year undergraduate courses, Hons offers specialized, in-depth study, including extra specialized subjects, advanced research techniques, and higher eligibility requirements. 

Key Differences Between B.Pharm Hons and Regular B.Pharm

• Curriculum Depth: B.Pharm Hons dives deeper into subjects like drug formulation, advanced pharmacology, and research techniques compared to the standard B.Pharm, which provides a broader overview.
• Specialized Subjects: B.Pharm Hons curricula often include specialized subjects or extra subjects (e.g., from MOOCS). It emphasizes advanced laboratory work and research projects, focusing heavily on drug discovery and development.
• Academic Rigor: Honours degrees typically require higher academic performance, often requiring higher percentages in qualifying examinations for admission.
• Focus & Research: B.Pharm Hons is often designed for students aiming for research, development, or high-end academia within the pharmaceutical field.
• Job Opportunities: While both offer good career paths, B.Pharm Hons graduates may have an edge in specialized research roles (R&D) in pharmaceutical companies due to their deeper knowledge and practical experience.

Comparison Table

Feature	B.Pharma (Hons)	Regular B.Pharma
Duration	4 Years	4 Years
Focus	In-depth and Specialized	Broad and Analytical
Curriculum	Extra/Specialized Subjects	Standardized Curriculum
Academic Requirement	High (High Percentage)	Moderate (High School Science)
Career Aim	Research/Development	Regulatory/Manufacturing

Both courses are 4-year undergraduate programs with eight semesters, preparing students for careers in pharmacy and pharmaceuticals

About B.Pharm (Hons.)

B.Pharm (Hons.) is a four-year undergraduate course. The course deals with the study to understand the properties and impacts of medicines and developing the skills required to counsel patients about their use. B.Pharm Hons. covers all facets of healthcare including biochemical areas that concern the preparation of medicines and implementing them for the right diagnosis which is essential to build a successful career as a Pharmacist or for other related fields.

What makes B.Pharm (Hons.) course so popular is that apart from traditional pharmacy course is that one tends to learn about Operations, Sales and Marketing in the Pharmacy field which opens up multiple job opportunities.

B.Pharm (Hons.) Course Highlights

Check out the B.Pharm (Hons.) course highlights.

Category	Highlights
Course Name	B.Pharm (Hons.)
Duration	4 Years
Exam Type	Semester
Annual Course Fee	?15,000 - ?1,25,000
Average Initial Salary	?2,00,000 - ?3,00,000 LPA
Employment Sectors	Government/Private Hospitals, Clinical Pharmacy, Medical Dispensaries, etc.

B.Pharm (Hons.) Eligibility Criteria

Candidates need to fulfil the following eligibility criteria in order to get admission in B.Pharm (Hons.) course.

• Candidates should have passed Class 12th examination with minimum 60% marks from any recognized board

• Candidates should have secured three diploma programs in pharmacy and can also apply for B.Pharm (Hons.) courses.

• Candidates who hold a 3 or 2 years diploma degree after their class 10th examination can also apply for admissions.

• The candidates should be minimum of 17 years of age at the time of admission

B.Pharm (Hons.) Admission Process 2020

Admission to the B.Pharm (Hons.) courses is done on the basis of candidates performance in the entrance examination. Some of the popular B.Pharm (Hons.) entrance exams include BITSAT, WBJEE. However, certain institutes consider 10+2 marks for admissions.

B.Pharm (Hons.) Course Fee

The B.Pharm (Hons.) course fee varies from institution to institution. The average course fee of the course at Government and Private colleges (annually) is as follows:

Type	Minimum Fee	Maximum Fee
Government College	Rs 5,000/-	Rs 30,000/-
Private College	Rs 50,000/-	Rs 1,25,000/-

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B.Pharm (Hons.) Syllabus

Some of the major topics that are taught in B.Pharm (Hons.) is mentioned below:-

S.No.	Major Topics to Study
1	Inorganic Pharmaceutical Chemistry-I
2	Organic Pharmaceutical Chemistry-1
3	Physical Pharmacy-I
4	Pharmacognosy-I
5	Physiology and Biochemistry-1
6	Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Immunology
7	Biostatistics and Computer Science
8	English (Noncredit)1
9	Practical2
10	Viva-Voce (General)
11	Class assessment/ tutorial/ home assignment/ attendance 3
12	Inorganic Pharmaceutical Chemistry-II
13	Organic Pharmaceutical Chemistry-II
14	Physical Pharmacy-II
15	Pharmacognosy-II
16	Physiology and Biochemistry-II
17	Pharmacology-I
18	Pharmaceutical Technology-I
19	Practical 2
20	Viva-Voce (General) II
21	Pharmaceutical Analysis-I
22	Medicinal Chemistry-I
23	Pharmacology-II
24	Biopharmaceutics-I
25	Pharmaceutical Engineering
26	Pharmaceutical Technology-II
27	Cosmetology
28	Hospital and Community Pharmacy
29	Quality Control, Quality Assurance & Validation
30	Class assessment/ tutorial/ home assignment/ attendance III
31	Pharmaceutical Analysis-II
32	Medicinal Chemistry-II
33	Pharmacology-III
34	Biopharmaceutics-II
35	Pharmaceutical Technology-III
36	Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
37	Organic Spectroscopy
38	Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Law & Ethics
39	Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management
40	Practical IV
41	Viva-Voce (General) IV
42	Class assessment/ tutorial/ home assignment/

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B.Pharm (Hons.) Career Options and Job Prospects

After completing B.Pharm (Hons.), students can work in various fields in the pharmacy sector. They can also open their own pharmacy store by registering it under the State Pharmacy Council. Some of the well-known employment sectors and job profiles that candidates can take up after pursuing B.Pharm (Hons.) course are as follows:

Employment Sectors	Food and Drug Administration Sales and Marketing Department Educational Institutes Health Centres Hospital Pharmacy Clinical Pharmacy Technical Pharmacy Research Agencies Medical Dispensing Store
Job Profiles	Drug Therapist Hospital Drug Coordinator Food and Drug Inspector Analytical Chemist Drug Inspector Medical Transcriptionist Lecturer & Professor Researcher Retailing Supervisor Teacher
Average Salary	Rs 2,00,000/- to Rs 3,50,000/- LPA

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