New B Pharmacy syllabus offers scope for specialisation, focuses on jobs: PCI education head

Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), the apex body for pharmacy education and the profession in the country, is revamping the undergraduate B Pharmacy course curriculum after a decade. Deependra Singh, chairperson, education regulation committee, and member, PCI spoke to Careers360 about the new additions in the curriculum, specialisations, implementation, the doubling of pharmacy colleges post-Covid and more. Edited excerpts:

Q. Why are the undergraduate pharmacy courses being revamped now?

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered the healthcare landscape, creating new demands and opportunities for pharmacists. Moreover, rapid technological advancements, including the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, are transforming the profession.

AI is revolutionising drug discovery, patient care, and personalised medicine, making it crucial for pharmacy graduates to be familiar with these innovations.

By revamping our curriculum, we aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in this evolving environment. Our goal is to produce graduates who are not only well-versed in traditional pharmacy practices but also adept in leveraging modern technologies to improve patient outcomes and contribute to the advancement of healthcare.

Q. How is the curriculum framed and who are the members of the committee?

The Education Regulation Committee (ERC) frames the curriculum through a democratic and inclusive process, engaging experts from diverse backgrounds, including:

• Pharmaceutical industry professionals

• Hospital practitioners

• Community pharmacists

• Academics

• Researchers

• Students

The process involves subject-wise seminars and workshops to gather feedback from stakeholders and industry experts; incorporating suggestions from industry stakeholders and experts; drafting and refining the curriculum based on inputs from key stakeholders, including Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA), Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI) and Indian Pharmacy Graduates' Association (IPGA).

The pharmacy curriculum is built around four core subjects:

1. Pharmaceutics

2. Pharmaceutical Chemistry

3. Pharmacology

4. Pharmacognosy

Allied subjects are also being incorporated to make the curriculum comprehensive and relevant to current industry trends, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework.

The final draft will be shared with other stakeholders for consultation, ensuring a transparent and collaborative approach.

Q. What new subjects or elements will be added to the UG courses ?

The revamped undergraduate (UG) pharmacy syllabus will introduce several new elements, including specialisation through majors. Students can opt for B Pharma majors in:

• Industrial Pharmacy

• Clinical and Hospital Pharmacy

The first four semesters will cover core subjects, while the next four semesters will offer specialised courses based on the chosen major. Students who don't opt for a major will still receive a B Pharma degree but without specialisation.

The new subjects include pharmaceutical devices and medical devices, as per Medical Devices Rule 2017; artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML); and blockchain technology.

The curriculum will emphasise skill development, training and case-based learning.

These additions aim to equip students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge, preparing them for the evolving demands of the pharmaceutical industry. The changes will first be implemented in the UG syllabus, followed by revisions to the postgraduate M Pharmacy syllabus.

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Q. How will the credit system work? Also, is it mandatory for all pharmacy colleges to implement the new curriculum?

The new curriculum will follow the standard credit system prescribed by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Institutions are required to adopt the curriculum, as the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) mandates its implementation to ensure minimum quality standards in pharmacy education.

While institutions must adhere to the core framework, they have flexibility to tailor certain aspects to local needs, subject to prior approval from the PCI. This allows for a balance between standardisation and adaptability. Students also have choices within the curriculum, enabling them to pursue areas of interest.

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Q. How will the new curriculum be implemented?

The new curriculum will be implemented after completing the intended process, which will then be submitted to the ministry of health and family welfare for regulatory approval and notification.

Once notified by the government, the curriculum will be rolled out across institutes starting from the 2026-27 session.

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Q. How has the pharma industry and education changed over the last decade?

The pharmacy industry and education have undergone significant transformations over the last decade, driven by technological advancements, shifting healthcare landscapes, and evolving patient needs. We've seen a notable shift towards patient-centered care, with pharmacy education prioritising patient management skills to prepare graduates for more clinical roles.

The integration of technologies like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and telehealth has revolutionised pharmacy practice, enabling more efficient patient care and medication management.

Additionally, the rise of precision medicine has opened new avenues for personalised treatment approaches, requiring pharmacists to stay updated on genetic factors, biomarkers, and tailored therapies. Furthermore, the industry is adapting to changing job market dynamics, with a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and the incorporation of emerging trends like data science and leadership skills into pharmacy curricula. Overall, these changes reflect the industry's efforts to stay relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of patients, healthcare systems, and technological advancements.

Q. Will the new curriculum boost the employability of students?

The new curriculum is designed to bridge the skill gap between academia and industry, with a strong focus on employability. By introducing specialisations in industrial pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, and hospital pharmacy, we're equipping students with industry-specific skills and knowledge. Close collaboration with industry partners has informed the curriculum, ensuring it meets their needs.

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Key features include industry-oriented specialisations to develop skilled professionals for specific sectors, practical training programmes to enhance hands-on skills and industry readiness and case-based learning to foster problem-solving and competence in the budding pharmacists.

By aligning the curriculum with industry requirements and promoting academia-industry exchange, we aim to produce job-ready graduates with improved employability. This will not only benefit students but also address the industry's need for skilled professionals.

Q. How do you look at the problem of vacant B Pharm seats, especially in Maharashtra?

The issue of vacant B Pharm seats, particularly in Maharashtra, can be attributed to an oversupply of pharmacy institutions. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of pharmacy colleges was relatively stable, but post-2022, the number has nearly doubled, reaching around 6,000 institutions in India. This rapid growth has led to a supply-demand imbalance.

Maharashtra's decision to impose a five-year moratorium on new pharmacy colleges acknowledges this issue.

The challenge now is to ensure existing institutions focus on quality education and industry relevance to improve employability and attract more students.

Addressing the vacant seats requires a multifaceted approach, including enhancing the curriculum's industry relevance, improving infrastructure, and promoting research opportunities.

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Q. How will this curriculum impact the future of the pharmacy education and profession in India?

The new curriculum is designed to make pharmacy education more adaptive, student-centric, and industry-relevant. By incorporating feedback from stakeholders and focusing on key skills, the curriculum aims to produce competent professionals who can thrive in a rapidly-changing environment.

It will empower students by providing choices and flexibility to cater to their individual interests and career goals, equip them with skills and knowledge that meet industry demands, and foster a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation to emerging trends and technologies.

By aligning with the NEP 2020, the curriculum prioritises student needs, promoting a more effective and engaging learning experience, ultimately enhancing the quality of pharmacy education and professionals in India.