World Pharmacists' Day 2021

World Pharmacists Day (WPD) is celebrated on the 25th of September every year. It is an opportunity to reflect upon the essential healthcare work done by the pharmacists every day of the year. This day is of unmatched importance to IPA-MSB-SF, which is a student-run organization that focuses on the development of Pharmacy students. This year, under the guidance of their Mentor Dr Anand Shedge, IPA-MSB-SF organized a virtual session with some of the biggest pharma dignitaries. This session was viewed live on IPA-MSB-SF’s YouTube channel by hundreds of people.

This event was made possible by its presenting sponsor, Swaroop Agrochemical Industries. Swaroop, an ISO 9001 - 2015 Certified company, was launched by Mr. Sameer Pathare, a Chemical Engineer from Mumbai in 1993. IPA-MSB-SF thanks Swaroop for believing in them, and bringing their idea to life.

The session began with the introduction of IPA-MSB-SF and WPD given by the hosts. This year's theme for WPD was 'Pharmacy: Always trusted for your health'. The theme emphasizes the fact that pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare providers, and hence share a connection with the patients that is built on trust. Next, IPA-MSB-SF's Chairperson—Mr. Pravin Tak—gave a warm welcome to all the guests and office-bearers of IPA-MSB. It was followed by the introduction and felicitation of Dr. N Sivaprasad (President of IPA-MSB). Dr. Hemant Mondkar (Immediate Past President of IPA-MSB) was also welcomed and felicitated, who then felicitated the Chief Guest of Honour of the session, Prof. Dr. Arun Sawant. Prof. Dr. Arun Sawant then addressed the audience.

Dr. Anand Shedge, the Vice President of IPA-MSB and the Mentor of IPA-MSB-SF, was the next dignitary to speak to the audience. He believes that the occasion of WPD is an opportunity to pause for a while, and look back to see if we have missed any integral aspect of being a pharmacist in our routine.

Mr. Satish Shah (Vice President of IPA-MSB), Mr. Nitin Maniar (Secretary of IPA-MSB), Mr. K G Gadewar (Joint Secretary of IPA-MSB) and Mr. Santosh Ghodinde (Treasurer of IPA-MSB) were the other dignitaries from IPA-MSB who were present during the session, and were welcomed and felicitated.

The event also included a video made by IPA-MSB-SF on World Pharmacists' Day, which highlighted the monumental role played by pharmacists in the healthcare system. The video also provided information on the origin of WPD. The idea of appointing September 25 as World Pharmacists' Day was first suggested at the end of H. Tekiner’s article which was published on the FIP’s website on May 14, 2009, to promote the 69th FIP Congress in Turkey the same year. 

IPA-MSB-SF then felicitated few of the most respected and beloved pharma teachers with 'The Lifetime Achievement Award'. It was for all of the knowledge they imparted, and all the students whom they helped realize their dreams. The first teacher of the evening to receive this award was Prof. Dr. Prabhakar Shirodkar, who has had 43+ years of experience in the educational field. Prof. Dr. U. B. Hadkar, the next awardee, holds 40+ years of all-rounded experience of working in the educational field of pharmacy. Prof. Dr. V. S. Velingkar has had phenomenal ventures in the educational and research fields throughout his career. Prof. Dr. Naresh Gaikwad holds 39+ years of all-rounded teaching experience in the field of pharmacy. Prof. Dr. Mala Menon has 34+ years of teaching experience and 2 years of industrial experience. Prof. Dr. Evans Coutinho has 34 years of teaching experience with 30 years of rich experience in research. He spoke about the importance of having a conducive atmosphere to excel. He believes that nothing is achievable in life without it.

With these exceptionally valuable insights and experiences shared by the guests, the end of the wonderful session was here. The ending note was proposed by Ms. Marilyn Karia, the Public Relations Officer of IPA-MSB-SF for the year 2021-2022, which was followed by Mr. Sagar Pasi, the Public Health Officer of IPA-MSB-SF for the year 2021-2022, who gave away the vote of thanks. Ms. Preetika Pathare, Vice-Chairperson of IPA-MSB-SF for the year 2021-22, also played a huge role in the success of this event. It was hosted by Ms. Vaishnavi Prajapati (IPA-MSB-SF) and Ms. Vaishnavi Adani (IPA-MSB-SF).

All in all, this session had something for all of its audience. IPA-MSB-SF is filled with gratitude to all the guests and dignitaries, who made this event a memorable success.