Information technology (IT) and IT Enabled Services (ITES) are the hot career options right now, but the pharmaceutical industry has its own upsides. The industry has been growing consistently at 8-10 per cent over the last few years. Industry insiders peg the revenues generated by the Indian pharmaceutical industry at Rs 23,000 crore. With over 22,000 companies, 250 of them in the organized sector, the industry employs around 1.5 lakh people.

The Career Guide met Mr. M Venkata Reddy to discuss about the current career trends in Pharmacy as well as IT industry boom in India. Mr. Reddy, who is the Vice-Chairman, State Expert Appraisal Committee (Ministry of Environment & Forests), Director of Hitech Institute of Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences and Member of Pharmacy Council of India, New Delhi.

The Career Guide: What are career opportunities in Pharma as the present trend is seeing more number of people moving to IT companies? It is believed that IT is providing more job opportunities for eligible candidates. Do you agree with that?

Venkat Reddy: I see a brighter for pharmacy as well. Even as the IT industry provides more job opportunities, the Pharmaceutical industry too has potential to provide better job opportunities for eligible candidates. The great boom for Pharma industry has been continuing since last 4-5 years as the company’s researches new aspects and drugs as well as providing job opportunities in India.

TCG: How many colleges are offering Pharmacy courses and seats in Andhra Pradesh?

Venkat Reddy: As many as 225 privates and three Government colleges are available in the State, which are offering at least 13,000 seats in different Pharma courses graduate and post-graduate level.

TCG: What are the different courses in Pharmacy offered in AP?

Venkat Reddy: As of now, those colleges are offering admissions into B. Pharmacy and M. Pharmacy courses from the every year. From those colleges, at least 13,000 students complete their studies in Pharma.

TCG: Are there any plans to start new colleges in near future?

Venkat Reddy: Well, already 50 new colleges are being set up at different places in Andhra Pradesh which are pipelined to start functioning soon. The State Government also consented to establish new colleges.

TCG: Which branch creates more job opportunities in Pharma?

Venkat Reddy: All departments are providing more job opportunities; however, the manufacturing sector is creating better job opportunities for eligible candidates in developing country like India and abroad. The other departments like drug production, quality control are also picking up to create more opportunities.

TCG: Do you have any plans to introduce new courses?

Venkat Reddy: We have taken a decision to start a new course in Pharmacy D and it was sent to consideration to the Government. We hope the Government would give green signal to start the course from this academic year across the state.

TCG: Can you give a few details of the new course?

Venkat Reddy: The situation is very tricky. Indians, who wanted to work in the US after completing their courses in B Pharmacy and M Pharmacy, were asked for qualification in Pharmacy D course. As they have made D Pharmacy a mandatory we have decided to start it in Andhra Pradesh for the benefit of candidates, who seek overseas job opportunities. The duration of the course is six years wherein students would pursue theory course in five years and one year practical work.  

TCG: Which colleges will offer this course?

A. Soon after the Government approves to introduce the course, we will take a decision to select the colleges to offer this course in the State. Around 35 colleges are planning to offer the course.  However, we will giver permission those colleges, which are accompanied by 300-beds hospital to train the students during the course. The Syllabus also has been prepared. The fee structure will be decided by the Government.

TCG: Is there any institution that offers special courses in Pharma? 

A. Well, we been have conducting Pharma Industry oriented course, which is 17th batch for Pharmacy graduates and post-graduates with the help of NATCO Pharma Ltd. This is at NATCO’s office premises. The course will be for 9-weeks followed by intensive, in depth practical training in Pharma industry with an objective of creating professional awareness in the fresh graduates and post-graduates. We are bringing experienced faculty members from various well-established companies from India. The 17th batch will be started from May 22 and we take pride to see overwhelming response not only from students of our State but also different states in India.

Meanwhile, the HETERO Drugs are offering a unique course in Hyderabad to train the Pharmacy students on how to counsel the patients to utilize the medicines from different companies.