Pharmacy Training Institute urges Karnataka govt to give it Finishing School status

Pharmacy Training Institute (PTI), Bengaluru has proposed to the Karnataka government to recognise its facility as a Finishing School for pharmaceuticals. This is on similar lines of the state government’s Biotech Finishing Schools project which is a platform for access to fresh industry-ready candidates. “We are waiting to hear from the state government on this. If the government consents to this proposal then it is a shot in the arm for us. It provides us the much-needed reputation in the pharma training space. So far the industry has picked up every candidate trained by us which indicates the quality of training”, Uma Nandan Misra, dean, Pharmacy Training Institute, Bengaluru told Pharmabiz. Currently, the 9-year old PTI offers eight programmes. The recent addition is a 15-day programme exclusively for Medical Sales Representatives (MSRs). It has partnered with Cornucopia led by Ahmedali, a former pharma industry veteran for specific preparation of human resources for the sector. The Institute has teamed up Mallige College of Pharmacy, Acharya & BM Reddy College of Pharmacy Karnataka College of Pharmacy and Sri Adichunchanagiri College of Pharmacy to provide students a direction on employment avenues in the industry. “The US $22 billion Indian pharma’s top 250 companies face an annual shortfall of  around 200,000 qualified and experienced  MSRs annually. We are gearing up to meet the shortage of this trained workforce. On an average depending on the size of the operations, 500 to 3,000 MSRs are on the rolls of the industry. The need of the hour is to attract fresh pharmacy and science graduates and post graduates. This is where the recognition of PTI a Finishing School of  Karnataka would give a fillip to our services,” he added. Although the present generation of students are adept in technology, internet and cell phone savvy, yet they need to be honed in life skills covering critical decision making, problem solving, competence in negotiation, creative thinking, adaptive to organisation culture and cope with stress and emotions, said Misra. “PTI’s MSR program batch size is minimum 15 students. The fee is of Rs.15,000 and covers both practical and theory training. There is a rigorous selection process because pharmaceuticals in a knowledge driven industry,” he noted. It is also observed that sales and marketing report the highest attrition. There is a constant demand for high calibre candidates who comprehend the importance of drug quality, safety and efficacy. With the Union government set to enforce UCPMP (Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices) norms, the requirement for the right candidate is critical, pointed out Misra. PTIs courses cover industrial curriculum which are dedicated programmes are devised for fresh graduates and company employees. The course will give them a hand-on exposure in facilities and equipment, quality management, packaging of dosage forms, R&D and regulatory affairs.