Pharmacy

 

What is Pharmacy?

The preparation, distribution, and proper usage of medicines fall under the domain of Pharmacy. A doctor diagnoses and treats a patient, while a pharmacist prepares the medication for treatment. Therefore, we can say that the importance of Pharmacy is equal to that of an MBBS degree.

Pharmacists work behind the scenes to ensure the quality, dosage, and correct usage of medicines. This field is unique as it combines both production and service. A pharmacist meticulously monitors diseases in communities and hospitals, engages in laboratory research, and works in pharmaceutical factories for medicine production. They also handle the marketing of these medicines, making this field distinctly versatile in medical sciences.

Qualities of a good Pharmacist:

Success in Pharmacy requires a person with a scientific temperament and interest, a natural curiosity in thought and analysis, and a particular interest in medical science. Precision, a logical and scientific approach to examining every aspect, and attention to detail are crucial for progress. Pharmacy has various subfields, and there is a significant shortage of skilled professionals in Pakistan. Job opportunities are excellent, with attractive salaries and other benefits.

  • Genuine interest in improving the health of people from all walks of life.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Sharp and good judgment abilities.
  • Habit of working systematically.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Capacity to understand and synthesize information.
  • Awareness of every development and new information in the field of pharmacy.
  • Ability to work independently with confidence, including problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Ability to listen attentively and focus.
  • Comprehension skills.
  • Rapid learning ability.
  • Analytical and decision-making skills.

Important Subjects for Pharm.D:

  1. Chemistry
  2. Biology
  3. Medicine and Dentistry
  4. Consultation
  5. Computer and Electronics
  6. Mathematics
  7. English

Pharmacy Education / Pharm.D:

Education in Pharmacy starts after F.Sc. (Pre-Medical) with a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D), a 5-year program. The curriculum includes Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Public Health, among other subjects. After earning a Pharm.D, one can find excellent job opportunities and continue further education. There are also business opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry. However, an MSc and PhD are essential for teaching or research fields.

Subfields of Pharmacy:

  • Community Pharmacy
  • Hospital Pharmacy
  • Consultant Pharmacy
  • Home Pharmacy
  • Integrative Pharmacy
  • Nuclear Pharmacy

Pharm.D Admission Requirements:

  1. F.Sc. (Pre-Medical)
  2. A minimum of 60% marks for admission application, though merit varies by institution.
  3. Some institutions base merit entry tests and F.Sc., while others combine Entry Test, Matric, and F.Sc. scores.
  4. Most of the institutions include MDCAT marks in merit calculation.
  5. Most government institutions have regular morning classes and self-support/finance-based evening classes.

Pharm.D Merit 2023:

Institution

Morning

Evening

Punjab University, Lahore

91.05%

91.6%

Bahauddin Zakariya, Multan

99%

  

Peshawar University

    

Karachi University

78%

76%

Sindh University, Hyderabad

    

Fee for Pharm.D :

In government institutions, annual fees for regular morning students range from PKR 40,000 to 80,000, and for self-support evening classes, from PKR 80,000 to 140,000. These costs may change without prior notice.

Institutions Offering Pharm.D:

With the increasing demand for pharmacists, educational opportunities are expanding. 146 Universities and Colleges are offering Pharm.D in Pakistan. Many government and private institutions across Pakistan offer Pharmacy education, particularly in major cities and some other areas.

  • Punjab University, Lahore
  • Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad
  • University of Health Sciences, Lahore
  • Down University of Health Sciences, Karachi
  • Liaquat University Of Medical And Health Sciences, Jamshoro
  • Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan
  • Peshawar University, Peshawar
  • Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan
  • Karachi University, Karachi
  • Sindh University, Hyderabad
  • Balochistan University, Quetta

for Complete list of all institutions with their fee and deadline, please visit Universities and Colleges offering Pharm.D in Pakistan.The Pharmacy department of the institution should be approved by the Pakistan Pharmacy Council.

Pharmacy Admissions

To find out the list of all the universities and colleges where admissions are open for Pharm.D is available in the Eduvision Admissions Section.

Responsibilities and Working:

  • Preparing medicines according to various formulas and managing their distribution.
  • Supervising the distribution network to ensure public safety and medication protection.
  • Engaging in research or coordination for medicine production.
  • Participating in or organizing seminars and conferences to review existing medicine formulas.
  • Educating on prevention and precautions for contagious diseases like asthma, TB, diabetes, smoking, etc., and providing natural remedies and proper usage of diet and other items.
  • Determining the dosage and quantity of medication based on individual patient needs.
  • Informing doctors and health professionals about various medicines to help them choose the right medication for patients.
  • Mentally and psychologically informing patients about the benefits of proper medication usage.

Pharmacy professionals typically work in clean, well-lit, and ventilated environments, often spending most of the day on their feet. Almost every subfield of Pharmacy involves standing for extended periods. Generally, work is during regular hours, but 15-20% of professionals work late hours, and sometimes weekends.

Key Considerations:

Pharmacy students should be familiar with certain software, as they are crucial in practical life:

  1. Accounting Software
  2. Scientific Software
  3. Database Software
  4. Inventory Software
  5. Label Making Software

Job Opportunities for Pharmacists:

With the rapid establishment of government and private hospitals, clinics, and medical facilities in cities and rural areas, and the growing pharmaceutical industry, the future of Pharmacy is bright. Whether one chooses to work in a job or start a business like a medical store, opportunities are plentiful.

  • Pharmaceutical Companies: Both local and foreign companies offer excellent salaries and benefits. Students need to demonstrate educational qualifications and technical skills.
  • Ministry of Health and other Government Institutions
  • Universities and Colleges as Professors
  • Hospitals
  • Investigative Institutions
  • Research and Analysis Institutions
  • Environmental Sector
  • Agricultural Medicines and Other Agriculture Fields
  • Medical Stores
  • NGOs working in Health and Hygiene
  • Forces (Army, Airforce, Navy)
  • Professional Research Institutions
  • Regulatory Authority
  • Food and Cosmetic Industry (to ensure products meet health standards)

Self-Evaluation:

To help students determine if Pharmacy is the right field for them, consider the following:

  1. How do you feel about working in a fixed temperature and specific environment?
  2. Can you understand and communicate effectively over the phone?
  3. Do you feel comfortable talking face-to-face?
  4. Can you make multiple decisions during work?
  5. Can you stay focused on a single task for more than an hour?
  6. Do you enjoy working with others or find it burdensome?
  7. How does time pressure affect you?
  8. Do you consider others' feelings while working?

If more than 60% of your answers are positive, you are likely to succeed in the field of Pharmacy.

 

 


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