The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science at Assam down town University hosted Pharma Anveshan 2026 – North East Zone, an academic and professional event organised under the aegis of the Pharmacy Council of India. The programme brought together academicians, policymakers, industry representatives and researchers from across the region to discuss developments in pharmaceutical sciences.
Speaking at the event, H. Lalhlenmawia, Member of the Executive Committee of the Pharmacy Council of India and Coordinator of the Organising Committee for Pharma Anveshan 2026 – North East Zone, spoke about the importance of platforms that bring together academia, industry and regulatory bodies to strengthen pharmaceutical education and research in the country. He encouraged pharmacy professionals and students to take part in research and innovation, stating that initiatives such as Pharma Anveshan contribute to developing future professionals in the sector.
Pharma Anveshan is organised annually to mark the birth anniversary of Prof Mahadeva Lal Shroff, who is recognised as a pioneer of pharmacy education in India.
The inaugural session was attended by several guests who spoke about the role of pharmaceutical sciences in public health and national development. Montu Kumar M. Patel, President of the Pharmacy Council of India, attended the event as the chief guest and spoke about the need for closer partnerships between academic institutions and industry, as well as the importance of innovation in pharmacy education.
“Pharmacists today play a critical role in patient care, research, and public health. Our education system must continuously evolve to prepare students for these expanding responsibilities,” Patel said.
Patel also referred to the implementation of a revised pharmacy curriculum aligned with the National Education Policy. According to him, the updated curriculum aims to make pharmacy education more interdisciplinary and skill-oriented. It introduces emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), medical devices and biotechnological products within the B.Pharm programme.
He also spoke about the formation of a new ERP Committee intended to strengthen digital systems in pharmacy education and improve reporting, transparency and academic management. Patel said medical device education will also be introduced at the M.Pharm level.
Addressing regulatory standards, Patel emphasised the importance of ethical practices in the issuance of wholesale medicine licences and maintaining integrity in pharmaceutical supply chains. He also mentioned the expansion of clinical pharmacy roles, which could create additional professional opportunities within hospitals and healthcare institutions.
Patel further stated that the Pharmacy Council of India is planning to introduce a single-window system for institutional processes and approvals for pharmacy colleges across the country. He also said that financial assistance of up to Rs 1 crore will be made available for developing infrastructure and information technology facilities in pharmacy education institutions.
In his welcome address, Saikat Sen, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science and Organising Secretary of Pharma Anveshan 2026, said the event serves as a platform for interaction between academia and industry and encourages young researchers to present their ideas and research.
During the programme, members of the pharmacy community who qualified in Group A Civil Service Examinations in Assam and Mizoram were felicitated.
The event also marked the launch of “Pharmacy Today”, the official newsletter of the Pharmacy Council of India, which will share policy updates, research developments and professional information related to the pharmaceutical sector. The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science also released its institutional magazine highlighting academic activities, research work and student initiatives.
An academia–industry panel discussion was organised as part of the event, where representatives from the Pharmacy Council of India, industry and academic institutions discussed trends in pharmaceutical education and opportunities for collaboration.
Participants also took part in scientific sessions, poster presentations, patent displays and innovation showcases during the programme.
The valedictory session featured cultural performances from the North East and included the announcement of winners from the scientific sessions. The organisers concluded the event by acknowledging the contributions of volunteers, faculty members and participants.
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