Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 20 Nov: Sardar Bhagwan Singh University (SBSU) marked the 64th National Pharmacy Week (NPW) with a strong emphasis on the theme, “Pharmacists as Advocates of Vaccination”. The event underscored the pivotal role of pharmacists in strengthening public health, promoting vaccine confidence, and countering misinformation.
The event was inaugurated by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof (Dr) J Kumar, who underscored the evolving responsibilities of pharmacists beyond medication dispensing. “Pharmacists are among the most accessible and trusted healthcare professionals. The battle against preventable diseases is won not only in laboratories but also at the community level, where pharmacists serve as frontline educators and trusted voices against misinformation,” he said.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr Veerma Ram, Director, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Technology, spoke about the expanding scope of pharmaceutical practice. He noted that the profession is undergoing a transition from traditional dispensing roles to more advanced responsibilities in chronic disease management, vaccination services, and personalised medicine.
Dr Gaurav Deep Singh, President, SBS University, congratulated the faculty and students and expressed pride in the institution’s efforts to align pharmacy education with contemporary healthcare needs.
The programme featured insightful sessions by three distinguished speakers, including two alumni of SBSU: Dr Natasha Makkar, Quality Manager, Dr Chhabra Pathology Centre, highlighted the far-reaching impact of community pharmacies in remote and underserved regions. Amit KR Jaiswal, Group Product Manager, Bioxenith Pharmaceuticals, discussed effective communication strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy through empathy, active listening, and evidence-based counselling.
Himanshu Tewari, Digital Sales Officer, GSK Vaccines, provided an overview of current regulatory frameworks and emerging opportunities for pharmacists in immunisation programmes.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof (Dr) Arun Kumar Mahato. Among the dignitaries present were Dr Deepak Sahni (Registrar), Prof Maneesh Arora (Dean of Student Welfare), Urmi Chaurasia (Controller of Examinations), faculty members, staff, and students.
