What is Pharm. D.?

Pharm. D. is an abbreviation of “Doctor of Pharmacy”. At present, in Pakistan, Pharm.D. is degree requirement to get Registration with Pharmacy Council of Pakistan to practice Pharmacy Profession as Pharmacist.

Who is a pharmacist?

Pharmacist is an important health care professional who deals with all areas of medicines from their manufacturing till their final use by the patient. Pharmacist is the custodian of medicines and ensures its safe use in right dose, at right time for the right clinical condition in collaboration with physicians and nurses.

What is the scope of a pharmacist?

Pharmacists are renowned as the leading health care professional globally. Pharmacists have great scope in diversified fields of health care. A pharmacist can set-up his/her own pharmaceutical industry, distribution set-up and community pharmacy. Also, he/she can do job in hospital, pharmaceutical industry, community pharmacy, research organizations and universities. Pharmacists are in great demand in both government and private sectors and as per law, they are appointed as grade 17 officers.

What does a pharmacist do?

Pharmacists are trained to perform variety of roles in varied settings. In Pharmaceutical Industry, each section, by law, requires a trained pharmacists to look after that section. Similarly, community pharmacies can’t get license without the presence of qualified pharmacist. Being expert in medications’ manufacturing, compounding, dispensing and rational use of drugs, a pharmacist ensure safe administration of drugs to the patients. A pharmacist counsels not only the patients but also the other health care professionals like physicians and nurses on appropriate use of drugs.

What does a pharmacist do on a day to day basis?

The answer to this question depends on where and in which capacity a pharmacist is working. As a business person, a pharmacist leads his/her team to provide quality medicines to the patients. As a hospital pharmacist, he/she is involved in procurement, distribution and effective use of medications and is a responsible person regarding all the issues with medicine use. As a community pharmacist, a pharmacist helps in dispensing medicines in consultation with physicians and counsels patients on correct use of medicines. As a Clinical Pharmacist, he/she interacts with patients directly regarding safe and rational use of medicines and is an integral member of the team visiting indoor/hospitalized patients.

What can you do with a degree in pharmacy?

A degree in pharmacy is a pre-requisite for working in all areas wherever medicines are involved, be it making new drugs, manufacturing existing drugs, distributing those drugs from pharmaceutical industry to the community pharmacies, hospitals and clinics or dispensing these drugs to the patients. Pharmacy is a regulated profession and all these areas are strictly monitored by the ministry of health, pharmacy councils and drug regulatory authorities and are governed according to Drug Act of Constitution of Pakistan. With privileges comes the responsibility as well, so, a pharmacist is responsible professional for all the areas that deals with medicines and drugs.
With a degree in pharmacy, you are licensed to practice pharmacy in Pakistan in all areas.

What are different areas where a pharmacist can work?

Traditional opportunities available to fresh Pharm.D graduates in Pakistan are;

Government Jobs:

  • Hospital Pharmacist in Government Teaching Hospitals
  • Drug Inspector
  • Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Drug Testing Laboratories
  • World Health Organization

Private Jobs:

  • Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Retail or Community Pharmacy
  • Distribution setup
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Hospital Pharmacist at private hospital
  • Lecturer in pharmacy colleges/universities.
  • NGOs
  • Nutraceuticals Industry
  • Cosmetic Industry
  • Training Centers

What is the community pharmacy?

A community pharmacy, commonly known as a pharmacy or medical store, is a healthcare facility where drugs are sold and dispensed to the patients. By law, a community pharmacy must be run under the direct guidance of a qualified pharmacist.

What is the eligibility to enroll in Pharm.D degree program?

According to directions of pharmacy council of Pakistan, a minimum of 60% marks in FSc pre-medical or equivalent are required to get admission in accredited Pharm.D program.

Is a pharmacist a medical doctor?

Doctor is a generic term that is used to name any person who has achieved a highest level of education in a particular field. In that sense, as the name of the degree suggests, a pharmacist is a doctor. But pharmacist is not a physician. Physicians deals with diagnosis of disease while a pharmacists ensures the delivery of right medicines to the patient for that disease.

Why should I choose Faculty of Pharmacy at University of Central Punjab for my Pharm.D degree?

Faculty of Pharmacy (FOP) at University of Central Punjab is a recognized by both Higher Education Commission of Pakistan and Pharmacy Council of Pakistan. Its Pharm.D Program is accredited by Pharmacy Council of Pakistan. We at FOP ensures a high quality education to train pharmacists in such a way to make them a resourceful person not only cater the needs of local healthcare industry but also to help them compete with the international standards of pharmacy practice. We have highest numbers of qualified PhD faculty members compared to all other private institutes offering Pharm.D degree program. Our state-of-the –art laboratories not only comply with the SROs of Pharmacy Council of Pakistan but also praised by the competent authorities of the council and higher education commission of Pakistan. We strive hard to ensure the placement of our graduates and make them a responsible and resourceful member of the society.

What are options available to Pharm.D graduates to specialize?

A Pharm.D graduate can pursue M.Phil and PhD from Pakistan to enter into research and teaching organization. He/She can enroll directly in PhD in the Universities of developed world provided he/she obtains some research experience during Pharm.D program. We at Faculty of Pharmacy try our best to equip our students with research techniques and methods to ease their admission in Universities abroad. Also, our Pharm.D degree is recognized globally and a Pharm.D graduate can pursue licensing all across the globe like USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Middle East countries etc.