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With community pharmacies increasingly serving as the vital first point of contact in the healthcare ecosystem, Dadhichi College of Pharmacy in Cuttack is set to organize a prestigious state-level training programme on Good Retail Pharmacy Practices (GRPP).
Scheduled for July 25 this year at Atal Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, the comprehensive retail pharmacist training initiative is being organized in association with the Utkal Chemists and Druggists Association (UCDA) and backed by the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPGA), Odisha state branch. The one-day event aims to radically strengthen the professional competencies and operational benchmarks of retail pharmacists across the state, promoting safe, ethical, and patient-centred pharmaceutical care.
The technical sessions will be structured around four expert-led modules covering critical facets of modern pharmacy management. Key training pillars will focus on professional ethics, medication management, safe dispensing practices, and pharmacy laws. To improve bottom-line efficiency, the curriculum will dive deep into modern inventory management and procurement strategies. Participants will receive extensive capacity-building training on optimizing workflow, customer service, digital billing, and the practical implementation of modern retail metrics like FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) and FIFO (First In, First Out) inventory flows.
A major focus of the conclave will be optimizing the supply chain and maintaining stringent quality assurance at the retail level. Pharmacists will be trained in cold-chain logistics, temperature monitoring, and robust protocols for segregating and handling expired, recalled, or Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) medicines. Additionally, in alignment with national pharmacovigilance mandates, the training will highlight regulatory enforcement regarding the mandatory display of the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) QR codes and toll-free numbers at all retail counters to systematically capture adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
The regulatory framework and compliance segment will feature an impressive lineup of enforcement experts. Senior officials from the Odisha Drug Control Administration, including Assistant Drugs Controllers Dr. Sudarsan Biswal and Rudranarayan Sahu, alongside Drugs Inspector Chandan Kumar Sahu, will lead interactive modules. They will provide a comprehensive orientation on the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Pharmacy Act, empowering attendees to navigate statutory documentation requirements and mitigate the risk of dispensing errors.
Speaking about the upcoming event, Dr Rajat Kumar Kar, principal of Dadhichi College of Pharmacy, emphasized that retail pharmacists play a pivotal role in optimizing therapeutic outcomes and primary healthcare. He said that the training would effectively bridge the gap between regulatory theory and store-level implementation, transforming traditional chemist outlets into high-performing, patient-centric healthcare centres. He added that equipping the workforce with updated skills directly supports national healthcare priorities and the overarching vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The event is designed to foster a culture of continuous professional development (CPD) and encourage lifelong learning among trade stakeholders. Beyond regulatory compliance, the modules on customer service, complaint handling, and digital integration are tailored to help pharmacy owners achieve business sustainability and operational efficiency in an evolving marketplace. Coordinated by associate professor Prasanta Kumar Biswal, the event is expected to become a benchmark platform for professional interaction.
The state-level programme is anticipated to draw a massive gathering of retail and community pharmacists, pharmacy entrepreneurs, interns, research scholars, and healthcare professionals from all corners of Odisha. By blending regulatory oversight with modern retail management strategies, the initiative seeks to drive a quality revolution in Odisha’s pharmaceutical trade, ensuring antimicrobial stewardship and enhanced patient safety across the region, said Dr Kar.
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