Description
Pharmacists are health care professionals who practise in pharmacy, the field of health sciences focusing on safe and effective medication use. Today’s pharmacists have moved on from classic dispensary roles to being integrated members of the health care team directly involved in patient care. Pharmacists are authorised to handle medicines/drugs, right from its molecular level to its dispensing. As per the Drugs & Cosmetic Act & Rules in India, a pharmacist should be present at the time a drug is being procured, stored or dispensed. If this rule is strictly implemented in both government and private sector, it will open up lot of job opportunities.
Requirements
Take science in Class 12. To become a registered pharmacist one needs a diploma or a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from a recognised university/institute approved by Pharmacy Council Of India.
An aspirant should have a sound base in Chemistry and Biology. He must possess good interpersonal skills and a desire to help others.
Job Prospects
In the government sector, an entry level pharmacist is placed in pay band 2 after the recommendation of the sixth pay commission. A pharmacist in a chemist shop can earn around Rs. 5000- Rs. 10,000 per month. A graduate pharmacist earns Rs. 20,000- Rs. 30,000 at entry level.
Pros & Cons
Pharmacists play an important role in the health sector. The cons is that they are underutilised and unrecognised in the sector.
