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History of Pharmacy In India
Pharmacy has evolved significantly from ancient practices to become a science-driven field in healthcare. In India, the journey of pharmacy mirrors the changes in healthcare, science, and public policy over the years. Starting from herbal remedies to modern pharmaceutical advancements, India’s pharmacy history combines tradition with innovation. This article delves into the interesting progress of pharmacy in India, educational opportunities, key achievements, and the industry’s impact on global healthcare today.
What is Pharmacy? Understanding the Profession
Pharmacy is both an art and a science, blending health sciences and chemistry to study, develop, and distribute medications. Pharmacists are the healthcare providers who is responsible for the safety, preparation, and management of drugs, supporting both human and animal health.
Pharmacy can be also defined as “A healthcare profession combining health science and chemistry. Focuses on discovering, preparing, and managing drugs (both natural and synthetic) for disease prevention and treatment in humans and animals.“
Pharmacist’s Role: Pharmacists are legally authorized to dispense medications and are experts in drug preparation, storage, distribution, and safe handling. Beyond filling prescriptions, they ensure the medications’ suitability for each patient by verifying dosage, checking for interactions, and advising on proper usage. Pharmacists collaborate with prescribers like doctors and dentists to optimize treatment plans and offer essential counseling on medication use, side effects, and lifestyle considerations.
In addition, pharmacists contribute to public health by providing immunizations, health screenings, and educating communities on safe medication practices. This expertise makes them a vital part of the healthcare team, ensuring safe and effective treatment outcomes.
Etymology(Origin of words): The word “pharmacy” derives from the Greek “pharmakon,” meaning medicine or drug.
Educational Pathways in Pharmacy (India)
India’s educational system for pharmacy is one of the most diverse system, its providing multiple options for those interested in this field. The pathways range from entry-level diplomas to advanced degrees that open doors to specialized careers in research, academia, and the pharmaceutical industry.
- Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm): A 2-year program with a focus on practical training in community or hospital pharmacies.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm): This 4-year undergraduate degree is designed to cover a broad range of topics including pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutics.
- Master of Pharmacy (M. Pharm): A 2-year postgraduate program where students can specialize in fields like pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical chemistry, and pharmacognosy.
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.): A 6-year program emphasizing clinical and community pharmacy. This includes 5 years of study and 1 year of internship, where students gain hands-on experience in healthcare settings.
Advanced Degrees:
- M.S. (Pharm) and M.Tech (Pharm): These degrees are designed to build technical and research skills for those aiming to work in specialized pharmaceutical areas.
- Ph.D. in Pharmacy: For those pursuing research and academic careers, a Ph.D. provides deep expertise in pharmacy’s advanced fields.
Admission Requirements:
- For D. Pharm, B. Pharm, and Pharm. D.: Candidates must complete high school (Class 12) with a science stream, particularly in subjects like chemistry and biology.
These pathways provide students with various career options, including opportunities in research, clinical pharmacy, and the pharmaceutical industry.
Pharmacy History
Pre - Historic Period
Pharmacy has ancient origins in India, dating back to prehistoric times when healthcare practices were rooted in nature and traditional knowledge. The early development of organized pharmacy practices and structured healthcare set the foundation for modern advancements.
- 226 BCE: During the reign of Emperor Ashoka, India saw a sophisticated hospital system emerge, providing structured care and medicinal practices.
- 900 AD: Hospitals in Tamil Nadu treated a range of diseases such as jaundice and piles, showcasing early organized healthcare.
- 1000 AD: Charaka’s practices, which emphasized the use of herbs and natural remedies, became widely accepted and paved the way for traditional medicine.
- 1500s: European medicine began to recognize the benefits of Indian medicinal herbs.
- 1563: Portuguese physician Garcia da Orta published “Colóquios dos Simples e Drogas da Índia,” detailing Indian medicinal plants, which generated considerable interest in European circles.
- 1664: The first general hospital was established in Chennai, marking the formal beginning of organized healthcare in India.
Pre-Independence Period
Early Developments:
- 1824: London Pharmacopoeia (Hindustani version) introduced, leading to increased reliance on imported drugs.
- 1840: Goa Medical College established.
- 1841: B.O. Shough Neesy publishes “Bengal Dispensary and Pharmacopoeia.”
- 1843: Devanagari transcription of London Pharmacopoeia made available in Hindi and Bengali.
- 1864: Bengal Pharmacopoeia and General Conspectus of Medicinal Plants were published.
- 1868: First Pharmacopoeia of India was published(under British gov.).
- 1869: The book Vernacular Names of Indian Medicinal Plants and Herbs was compiled, creating a foundation for future future Pharmacopoeias.
- 1874: Two-year “Chemists and Druggists Diploma” course begins at MMC.
20th Century Advancements:
- 1932: Pharmaceutical Chemistry was introduced into the curriculum at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) by Late Pt. Madan Mohan Malviya.
- 1935: The BHU Pharmaceutical Society was established, which later developed into the All-India Association—United Provinces Pharmaceutical Association (UPPA) and eventually became the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA).
- 1937-38: M.L. Shroff, known as the “Father of Indian Pharmacy,” launched the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree program at BHU.
- 1939: The Indian Journal of Pharmacy was published for the first time.
- 1940: Subhadra Kumar Patni became the first Indian pharmacy graduate, and BHU started its Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) program in the same year.
- 1941: The position of Hospital Pharmacist was created at KEM Hospital in Mumbai.
- 1943: Gorakh Prasad Srivastava became the first postgraduate in pharmacy from BHU.
- 1944: Punjab University in Lahore (now Chandigarh) introduced a pharmacy degree program.
- 1940-47: Khem Singh Grewal led the Pharmacology Department at K.E. Medical College, making significant contributions to pharmaceutical education.
Post-Independence Period
- 1949: The Diploma in Pharmacy program began in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal. And the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) was established in the same year.
- 1953: The PCI introduced the Education Regulations (ER), setting the Diploma in Pharmacy as the minimum qualification. These regulations were later amended in 1972, 1981, and 1991. And Sheovihari Lal became the first person in India to earn a PhD in Pharmacy in this year.
- 1954: The Pharmacy Enquiry Committee Report recommended pay scales for pharmacists.
- 1955: The first edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia was published.
- 1960: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) provided a standardized syllabus for the Master of Pharmacy program.
- 1966: The second edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia was published.
- 1978: The Nayudamma Committee mandated the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) as a requirement for M.Pharm scholarships.
- 1985: The third edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia was published.
- 1991: The National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) was established in Mohali.
- 1996: The fourth edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia was published.
- 2007: The fifth edition of the Indian Pharmacopoeia was published.
- 2008: The Pharm.D regulations, under the Pharmacy Act of 1948, were introduced, focusing on patient counseling and dispensing.
The Rise of India’s Pharmaceutical Industry
Early Days (Pre-1970s)
- The Indian pharmaceutical sector was dominated by multinational corporations (MNCs), leading to high drug prices due to limited competition.
- Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceutical Works, established in 1930, became one of India’s first pharmaceutical companies.
- The industry was small, with limited domestic production capacity.
1970-1995
- The Patents Act of 1970 shortened patent protections (5-7 years for compositions), encouraging the growth of Indian pharmaceutical companies.
- State-owned companies, supported by WHO, began producing affordable bulk drugs, reducing reliance on imports.
- India Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (IDPL) focused on industry development but later declined due to bureaucracy and governance issues in the 1980s.
1995-2005
- Limited patent protection allowed Indian companies to produce cost-effective versions of foreign drugs, fueling growth in the global generic market.
- Legal conflict appeared between Indian and Western enterprises over patent issues.
- The TRIPS Agreement mandated stronger patent protection, accelerating industry growth at an annual rate of 9%.
- India ranked 4th in Asia for pharmaceutical sales but started losing market share to China.
Post-2005
- With the WTO’s Doha Round, India implemented a new product patent regime, ending process patents in 2005.
- MNCs returned to the Indian market, with companies like Merck & Co. establishing subsidiaries in India.
History of Pharmacy Profession in India
- Early Regulations (Pre-1940s): Initial laws aimed at preventing drug adulteration and false labeling, including the Sea Customs Act, Excise Acts, and the Poison Act. Regulations were scattered and uncoordinated.
- Chopra Committee (1930): Identified the lack of a formal pharmacy profession and emphasized the limited role of compounders, marking a turning point for the industry.
- Drugs Act, 1940: Established regulations for the import, manufacture, and distribution of drugs in India—a foundational step for the industry.
- Pharmacy Act, 1948: Standardized pharmacy education, created the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), and laid the groundwork for professional recognition.
- Post-1948 Developments: Numerous professional associations were formed (IPCA, APTI, IHPA), reflecting growing organization and professionalization in the field.
- Further Legislation (1950s-1980s): New laws addressed misleading advertisements, excise duties, and controlled substances, including the Narcotic and Psychotropic Substances Act.
- Pharma Vision 2020 (Late 1990s-2000s): A strategic initiative to guide the future of India’s pharmaceutical industry and enhance global competitiveness.
Pharmacy Career Pathways in India
Pharmaceutical Industries: Involves various areas such as production, manufacturing, packaging, storage, purchasing, and quality control/assurance. Research & Development (R&D) roles usually require an M.Pharm or PhD, especially for advanced research roles. Career paths can advance from chemist to President, and there are also opportunities in cosmetics, soaps, toiletries, and blood/plasma products.
Pharmaceutical Marketing: Requires a solid technical knowledge of drugs and the ability to interact with physicians. This role is specialized and best suited for individuals with a thorough understanding of pharmaceuticals.
Product Management: A marketing-focused role that requires field experience. Offers high earning potential for those with innovative ideas and a knack for market strategies.
Hospital & Clinical Pharmacy: A highly respected field in many countries, where pharmacists may even prescribe medications. It requires knowledge in drug interactions, pharmacokinetics, and patient history.
Community Pharmacy: Acts as a link between patient and physician, providing services like counseling, information, record keeping, patient training, and supplying self-diagnostic kits.
Regulatory Affairs: Involves documentation and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, overseen by Drug Control Administration at various levels.
Academics: Numerous roles available in both government and private institutions. M.Pharm is the minimum qualification for a lecturer, with a PhD required for professorships.
Consultancy: Offers self-employment opportunities, with fees varying according to expertise in areas like regulatory affairs, documentation, and research.
Library Information Service & Pharmaceutical Journalism: Growing demand due to increasing documentation needs and global competition. Bioinformatics and electronic data retrieval are also promising fields.
Opportunities Abroad: High demand in both developed and developing countries such as the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. A B.Pharm degree can open doors for further education and career advancement internationally.
Conclusion
The journey of pharmacy in India reflects the evolution of a critical healthcare field, from its roots in traditional practices to modern industry innovations. Pharmacy education, stringent drug regulations, and quality standards have all contributed to making India a leader in the global pharmaceutical landscape. For anyone looking to pursue a career in pharmacy, the field offers diverse opportunities, from direct patient care to research and regulatory affairs. As we look to the future, India’s pharmacy sector is poised to play an even greater role in advancing global health.
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