The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has introduced four major initiatives aimed at strengthening pharmacy education, research and professional development in India. The initiatives were unveiled at CAPSULE 4.0 and include the new M.Pharm (Medical Devices) programme, Research Promotion Scheme (RPS), Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (PDFS) and Pharmacy Awards.
M.Pharm in Medical Devices to Create New Career Opportunities
The newly introduced M.Pharm (Medical Devices) programme is expected to open new academic and career pathways for pharmacy graduates in the rapidly growing medical devices sector.
The programme is designed to develop specialised competencies in medical-device technology, innovation, research, regulation and healthcare applications. It is expected to prepare students for emerging career opportunities at the intersection of pharmacy, engineering and healthcare technology.
Research Promotion Scheme to Strengthen Pharmacy Research
The Research Promotion Scheme (RPS) is aimed at developing a stronger research ecosystem across pharmacy institutions.
The scheme is expected to encourage innovative, translational and need-based research, with the potential to contribute to advances in healthcare and pharmaceutical sciences. The initiative could also provide greater impetus to research activities among pharmacy faculty and institutions.
Doctoral Fellowship Scheme to Support Future Researchers
Another major initiative is the Doctoral Fellowship Scheme (PDFS), which focuses on nurturing the next generation of researchers and academic leaders.
By supporting doctoral-level research, the scheme is expected to strengthen research capacity and encourage talented scholars to pursue advanced research in pharmacy and allied disciplines.
Pharmacy Awards to Recognise Excellence
The Pharmacy Awards introduce a platform to recognise individuals making meaningful contributions to the pharmacy profession.
The awards are expected to motivate teachers, researchers and professionals to pursue academic excellence, innovative research and impactful contributions to pharmacy and healthcare.
Four Initiatives Reflect New Vision for Pharmacy Profession
The initiatives launched at CAPSULE 4.0 are being positioned as more than individual programmes and schemes. Together, they reflect a broader vision for the future of pharmacy education and the profession in India.
The four initiatives are expected to create new opportunities for students, strengthen research among faculty and scholars, and provide greater recognition to professionals contributing to the advancement of pharmacy and healthcare.
With the introduction of specialised medical-device education alongside research funding, doctoral support and professional recognition, PCI is seeking to promote a more innovative, research-oriented, technology-driven and globally competitive pharmacy profession in India.
The launch of these initiatives at CAPSULE 4.0 therefore marks an important development in the evolving landscape of pharmacy education and research in the country.
