Pharmacist

India has around 24000 pharmaceutical manufacturers however only 25% are in the organized sector. Apart from serving the country they are one of the largest employers in India. Large number of hospitals and health care organizations and also offer a big opportunity in the pharmaceutical sector.

Pharmacists are health professionals who dispense prescription medication to patients and provide information about the medicines their doctors have prescribed them. They explain doctors' instructions to patients so that these individuals can use these medications safely and effectively. They aid physicians, dentists and veterinarians by dispensing appropriate medications to patients. Some pharmacists may also specialize in pharmaceutical research, or in marketing and sales of particular medications for a company. Many in this field work in drug, department or retail store settings, and many more work in hospital settings. They are specialists in their knowledge of medications, and must always be furthering their education in this area since new medications are developed all the time.

In retail settings, the pharmacist compounds drugs, orders supplies when necessary, may advise physicians on drug interactions, and dispenses medications to people with prescriptions. A pharmacist cannot give medications to those without prescriptions unless the medications are legally sold over the counter. Pharmacists are also excellent resources if you’re taking over the counter medications and need advice on whether these will conflict with prescription meds. They’re further responsible for making sure patients understand how to properly use prescription drugs. In hospital settings, pharmacists work in the same manner. A pharmacist in the research setting may be responsible for developing new drugs, testing drugs, administering pharmaceuticals for specific tests, or studying developed drugs for safety and possible interactions. Others pharmacists work for pharmaceutical companies or run independent laboratories. Drug control administration and armed forces also offer a wide range of opportunities to pharmacists. Some pharmacists also work in sale promotion work as medical representatives. As a Medical Representative one keeps the medical practitioner informed about the new drugs and treatments developed by various pharmaceutical companies and thus indirectly promote their sales.

A diploma or degree holder in Pharmacy, after registering with the State Pharmacy Council, can set up and run their own pharmacy or chemists and druggists shop to stock and sell medicines and dispense them according to doctors prescriptions.