Department of Pharmaceutical Technology conducts FDP in collaboration with NIPER

The profession of Pharmacy has evolved from its conventional and traditional drug focused basis to an advanced patient focused basis over the years. In this context, the upgradation of the skills and knowledge of the faculty members and professors associated with the domain of Pharmacy is absolutely necessary. Furthermore, exchange of knowledge is also necessary between the faculty members of the educational institutions and Pharmacy professionals so that the main objective of the sector is fulfilled. In this regard, the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology in collaboration with National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Kolkata organised a faculty development programme (FDP) from January 18, 2023.

The government of India set up National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPERs) with the aim to encourage drug discovery and development in India and to continue to excel in the formulations. In this context, it must be mentioned that the Pharma industry in India has been a global leader in generic drugs and the government's aim is to strengthen this sector further.

The collaboration between NIPER and Brainware University will expose the students to NIPER's equipment and latest technologies. "This FDP has been organised to create an intellectual and academic environment in the university. If the huge facility of NIPER is shared, it will benefit our faculty members and the students," said Dr B.B.Barik, HOD, Departmenrt of Pharmaceutical Technology at the inauguration.

Dr. Sugato Banerjee, Dean In-charge, Associate Professor, NIPER Kolkata was present on the first day of the FDP. “The Pharmacy industry is ever-changing and so the main aim is to upgrade the technicalities of the faculty members,” said Dr. Banerjee. He also added that these programmes will drive the research interests of the students and the faculty members.

Dr. Somasundaram Arumugam, Assistant Professor, Pharmacology & Toxicology, NIPER Kolkata who was also a speaker at the FDP assured that NIPER will be extending support in terms of equipment and technological advancement which will give a fair idea to the students about the new advances. “Our main focus will be on Pharmaceutics as it is the emerging trend,” noted Dr. Arumugam.

While addressing the faculty members, Dr. Subas Chandra Dinda, Dean, School of Pharmacy, The Neotia University, Kolkata highlighted the fact that teaching is a continuous process. “He said during this exchange, we are also learning from you and will move a step closer to our main objective - solution for the community which is the aim of this Pharmacy profession,” pointed out Dr. Dinda.

At the FDP, Dr. C M Hussain, Professor, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, WB delivered an intriguing lecture on ‘Molecules to Medicines: Challenges of Antimicrobial Drug discovery with special Focus on Invasive candidiasis’. Again, Prof. Biswajit Mukherjee, Professor & former HOD, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata was present to deliver a lecture on ‘Drug targeting with some laboratory-based approaches.’

As the sector of Pharmacy is constantly evolving, the upgradation of the skills of students and professors is necessary so that the aim of Pharmacy professional, that is, solution for the society, is achieved.