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Karnataka State Pharmacy Council (KSPC), in collaboration with the Food Safety and Drug Administration, Government of Karnataka, commemorated World Pharmacist Day 2025.
For the first time in Karnataka, the event was organized in the premises of the state FDA to honour eminent pharmacists from across Karnataka representing diverse sectors including academia, retail, hospital, industry, and government services.
This celebration marks a historic milestone in recognizing the critical contributions of pharmacists in Karnataka’s healthcare ecosystem.
This year’s theme, ‘Think Health, Think Pharmacist’, echoed the pivotal role pharmacists play in ensuring public health, patient safety, and promoting responsible medication use, said KSPC.
The event was inaugurated by Karnataka minister for health and family welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao who in his keynote address, emphasized the multifaceted responsibilities of pharmacists, spanning from dispensing medications to playing key roles in the pharmaceutical industry.
He further addressed the rising concern of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the state and underlined the crucial role pharmacists play in combating this challenge by promoting rational use of antibiotics. He also appreciated the unwavering dedication of pharmacists during the Covid-19 pandemic, acknowledging them as front-line warriors who worked tirelessly for society.
State Commissioner for Food Safety and Drug Administration and Administrator of KSPC Srinivas K, who was the guest of honour reiterated the importance of pharmacists in the broader public health framework and their evolving roles in the healthcare delivery system.
Dr Umesh S, Additional Drugs Controller, Food Safety and Drug Administration underscored the importance and significance of celebrating World Pharmacist Day, highlighting the expanding scope of pharmacy practice in modern healthcare.
The event felicitated 12 eminent pharmacists from Karnataka for their remarkable contributions and achievements in the field of pharmacy. Each awardee received a Citation Certificate and a Memento, celebrating their lifelong service and impact in their respective domains.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Sirse Kranti Kumar, Registrar, KSPC. Dr Kempaiah Suresh, Deputy Drugs Controller, Food Safety and Drug Administration; Dr Vijay S Joshi, Principal, Government College of Pharmacy; and Dr Satish Babu, Professor, Government College of Pharmacy were present, He also acknowledged the unwavering support of the Food Safety and Drug Administration team and the dedicated staff of the Karnataka State Pharmacy Council, whose collective efforts ensured the grand success of the event.
Dr Kranti Kumar further expressed sincere appreciation to the individual who diligently managed the preparation of citations, certificates, mementos, banners, standees, and other event materials. He also conveyed gratitude to everyone who contributed—both directly and indirectly—within a short timeframe, making the event seamless and memorable.
There were two scientific sessions: One was on Empowering Pharmacists to Combat Antibiotic Resistance in India? presented by Dr. Vithya S, HOD of Pharmacy, Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy focusing on the pharmacist’s role in promoting antimicrobial stewardship.
The second was on The Future of Community Pharmacists in the Age of AI: Balancing Technology and the Human Touch in Healthcare presented by Dr Indushankar, Head of Coprporate Planning & Expansion, Medmongers, Bengaluru which explored the integration of artificial intelligence in pharmacy practice while preserving personalized patient care.
The event was attended by pharmacy professionals, students, academicians, industry representatives, health administrators and various Pharmacy associations making it a memorable and inspiring day for the pharmacy fraternity in Karnataka.
Simultaneously, celebrations were held across 28 districts of Karnataka, where 60 pharmacists were honoured at district-level functions for their outstanding contributions. These parallel events highlighted the essential role of pharmacists in public health, spreading the spirit of recognition and appreciation across the state.
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