Odisha Government to Launch Pharm D Program, Opening New Avenues for Pharmacy Aspirants
It is a highly demanding courses and offers immense job opportunities in the country and abroad.
In a significant step toward broadening educational opportunities in the pharmaceutical sector, the Odisha government is set to grant approval for institutions to offer the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) course starting from the upcoming academic session. This marks the first time the program will be available in the state.
Pharm D is a professional doctoral program designed to equip students with both in-depth academic knowledge and hands-on clinical experience. The course spans six years—five years of rigorous classroom and laboratory training followed by a one-year internship at a recognized academic hospital, aimed at enhancing practical skills in real-world healthcare settings.
First introduced in India by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) in 2008, the Pharm D course has already been adopted by several other states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Its growing popularity is attributed to the expanding career opportunities it offers in clinical pharmacy, pharmacovigilance, regulatory affairs, and healthcare systems around the world.
Eligibility for the Pharm D program requires students to have completed Class XII in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, securing a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. Additionally, B.Pharm graduates can join the program through lateral entry at the post-baccalaureate level. Notably, Pharm D is the only doctoral-level program in healthcare that students can pursue directly after Class XII.
Dr. Sachidananda Mohanty, Director of Medical Education and Training (DMET), highlighted that Pharm D is a well-rounded program aimed at providing students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for diverse roles in the pharmaceutical and clinical sectors.
The proposed introduction of the Pharm D (Doctor of Pharmacy) course in Odisha marks a major milestone in pharmacy education in the state. Combining rigorous academic coursework with hands-on clinical training, the program is designed to make students industry-ready upon graduation.
Dr. Sachidananda Mohanty, Director of Medical Education and Training (DMET), confirmed that the Royal College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Berhampur has submitted a proposal to launch the course. “This will be the first time Pharm D is introduced in the state. The proposal is currently under active consideration by the government,” he said.
Prof. Susanta Kumar Panda, Principal of the Royal College of Pharmacy, emphasized the growing demand for Pharm D. “This course offers immense job potential both in India and abroad. We’ve already partnered with MKCG Medical College and Hospital, which has the required 300-bed academic hospital—a key prerequisite for the program. We meet all the necessary criteria and are now waiting for government approval,” he said.
Following the state government’s clearance, the college plans to approach the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) to seek formal recognition to offer the course. They aim to begin with an intake of 40 students, including 10 seats reserved for lateral entry for B.Pharm graduates.
PCI Vice-President Prof. Pramod Yeole stated that the council would readily approve applications from institutions that meet all regulatory requirements.
Currently, Odisha has over 80 diploma institutions and a number of degree colleges offering pharmacy education. The introduction of Pharm D will further enhance the state’s academic landscape. Graduates of the program can explore diverse career roles such as clinical pharmacists, hospital pharmacy professionals, drug safety experts, pharmacovigilance officers, R&D specialists, drug interaction analysts, advisors, and even drug inspectors.
~Source The Indian Express