Significance of pharmacy education highlighted

LAHORE:Experts have stated that Pakistan should benefit from the vast opportunities available in the field of pharmacy.

Pharmacy is the science related to the preparation of medicines. Its scope includes the cultivation of plants used for medicine, the formulation of chemical compounds for drugs, and their correct usage.

These views were expressed during a special seminar titled“Education Without Future — The Future of Pharm D Education in Pakistan,” organised by Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society (Jang Group of Newspapers) and AIMS College of Pharmacy, Okara.

The chief guest of the seminar was Kanwal Cheema (Founder and CEO of My Impact Meter). The guests of honour and speakers included Pro Vice Chancellor of Punjab University, Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood; Vice Chancellor of the University of Home Economics, Prof Dr Faleeha Zahra Kazmi; Vice Chancellor of the University of Sialkot, Dr Shazia Bashir; Principal of Punjab University College of Pharmacy, Dr Atif Raza; Principal of Fatima Memorial Hospital, Prof Dr Tayyab Abbas; Chairperson/Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University Lahore, Dr Malik Hassan Mehmood; Dean of Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Prof Dr Humaira M. Khan; Head of Intermediate College and Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, Lahore College for Women University, Prof Dr Aqsa Shabbir; Professor of the Mass Communication Department, Lahore College for Women University, Prof Dr Arsha Mir; Head of the Department of Information Management, University of Home Economics, Prof Dr Misbah Jabeen, and senior journalist Raees Ansari. Administrative affairs were managed by Naveed Irfan (Director) and Dr Syed Muhammad Hassan Shah, while the seminar was hosted by Wasif Nagi, Chairman of Mir Khalil-ur-Rahman Memorial Society, Jang Group.

Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood emphasised the importance of students achieving international standards in education and improving their communication skills to secure a place in the global market. He stressed the importance of local herbs and herbal medicines, highlighting their potential role in advancing the pharmaceutical industry and encouraging students to achieve self-reliance through entrepreneurship in this field.

Prof Dr Shazia Bashir said that the contribution of pharmacists to society is crucial. Every field guarantees a bright future, provided students remain dedicated and give their best. Prof Dr Hassan Mehmood explained that the field of pharmacy holds a pivotal position today, offering opportunities in 10 different sectors for Pharm D graduates in Pakistan.

Prof Dr Aqsa Shabbir discussed the importance of skilled education, a system that focuses on teaching students specific skills to prepare them for practical life. Dr Syed Muhammad Hassan Shah stated that their pharmacy institution is a premier educational institute providing high-quality education in pharmacy, equipped with modern laboratories, experimental facilities, and expert faculty members to guide students.

Kanwal Cheema remarked that a significant portion of Pakistan’s population comprises youth. However, many children are still out of school, highlighting the need for further improvement in the education system.

Prof Dr Misbah Jabeen pointed out that without education, society faces an increase in poverty, unemployment, and crime. She urged the government to make education affordable so that every child can receive it.

Prof Dr Arsha Mir emphasised that education is essential not only for an individual’s personal growth but also for the development of the entire society. Prof Dr Humaira Majeed Khan stressed the importance of pharmacy, explaining that without properly prepared medicines, patients cannot recover.

Prof Dr Atif Raza, Prof Dr Ghulam Qadir, Dr Furqan Hashmi, Sidra Shakeel, and Saadia highlighted the numerous opportunities available in pharmacy and the increasing prospects for Pharm D graduates. They stated that this field combines medical and pharmaceutical knowledge, and quality education opens doors to better opportunities and growth. —