Pharmacy derived from the Greek work pharmakos is the health profession that links the health sciences with the chemical sciences, and it is charged with ensuring the safe and effective use of medication. The scope of pharmacy practice includes more traditional roles such as compounding and dispensing medications, and it also includes more modern services related to patient care, including clinical services, reviewing medications for safety and efficacy, and providing drug information.
Pharmacists, therefore, are the experts on drug therapy and are the primary health professionals who optimize medication use to provide patients with positive health outcomes. The term is also applied to an establishment used for such purposes. A pharmacist is required to explain the mode and precautions regarding the use of medicines dispensed in a hospital pharmacy prepare special formulations normally not available in the market, assist the physician in rendering necessary information about various drugs, their contra-indications, incompatibility etc.
There are several programs in Pharmacy conducted by different universities in India. The main courses being 2 years Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), 4 years Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), 2 years Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) and doctorate .
Eligibility: 2 years Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) is the popular course
Job prospects and career options: In pharmaceutical industry and as Medical Drug store.