PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Nov 21: The School of Pharmacy at Sona Devi University celebrated National Pharmacy Week with a series of educational and awareness activities aimed at highlighting the role of pharmacists in healthcare.
The main event, held at Vivekananda Auditorium, featured Dharmendra Singh, Member of Jharkhand State Pharmacy Council and executive committee member of Pharmacy Council of India, as the chief guest. He also serves as the president of the Singhbhum Pharmacists Association.
Addressing the gathering, Singh spoke on the topic “Pharmacists’ Advocacy for Vaccination” and emphasized the enhanced role of pharmacists post-COVID-19, stating that pharmacists are now authorised to administer injections.
He urged pharmacists to continue raising public awareness and suggested that the School of Pharmacy strengthen its capabilities for future growth.
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He also advised the University to set up a Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Kendra on campus to provide hands-on training and affordable medicine access.
Chancellor of Sona Devi University, Prabhakar Singh, highlighted the institution’s continuous efforts to ensure holistic development of students.
He said that along with academic excellence, initiatives like IKS (Indian Knowledge System) classes are helping build character and prepare students to contribute responsibly to society.
University Registrar Prof. Gulab Singh Azad informed that the students of the School of Pharmacy conducted several community outreach programs during the week.
Under the leadership of Principal Sudhanshu Shandilya, students visited the Community Health Centre in Musabani, where they interacted with Dr. Vinay Kumar to learn about vaccine handling, storage, and administration.
The event also included various competitions such as quiz contests, poster-making, and field visits to emphasize the importance of pharmacists in strengthening community healthcare.
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Winners were felicitated with certificates and awards. The programme commenced with lamp lighting and Ganesh Vandana and concluded with the national anthem, featuring several cultural presentations by students.
National Pharmacy Week is observed across India in the third week of November, led by the Indian Pharmaceutical Association.
The theme for 2025 — “Pharmacists: Healthcare Professionals and a Bridge Between Doctor and Patient” — aims to highlight pharmacists’ critical role in ensuring effective and safe healthcare delivery.