What are the career prospects BPharma degree holders?

 Q. I am a student of B Pharma. What are the career prospects in this field after I graduate?

— Namita Das

A. India’s is the third largest producer of pharmaceuticals in the world and the best part is that our pharma is out performing most other sectors in achieving consistently high growth. Indian drugs used in treatment of Covid-19 are in demand across the globe as are as is our vaccine development which is in the pipeline.

Jobs in the pharmaceutical industry range from those in sales and marketing to pharmaco-vigilance to high-end research and development.

• Pharmacy graduates are appointed by the government as Drug Inspectors and Drug Analysts.
• Hospitals also hire consultant pharmacists to advise physicians on the precise dosage, schedules and possible side effects of various drugs.
• Apart from working in the drug manufacturing industry, pharmacists are also employed in the chemical industry and food and drug control organisations.
• A large number of Pharma graduates and diploma holders go on to become medical sales representatives. Yet others go on to specialise in clinical research and bioinformatics.
• Teaching is yet another option after a Master’s degree (MPharm).
• And of course if you’re enterprising, you can open your own chemist shop or even go into manufacture of drugs or cosmetics. The latter is growing at an even faster rate as compared to Pharma.

Besides going for MPharm, you could also look at courses such as

1. MSc. in Forensic Science
2. MSc. in Homeland Security & Anti-Terrorism
3. Master’s in Hospital Mgt
4. PG Diploma in Forensic Document Examination
5. PG Diploma in Forensic Management
6. PG Diploma in Fingerprint Sc

A career in Pharma and healthcare gives you an opportunity to touch the lives of the poor in rural areas by making affordable medicines in the Indian and as well as global context.

— The writer is Director, Career Guidance India (CARING) www.facebook.com/PervinMalhotra

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