In association with the Indian Pharmaceutical Association Kerala Chapter, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Kochi celebrated World Pharmacists Day. This year’s theme showcased pharmacy’s positive impact on health around the world and looked ahead to further strengthening solidarity among the profession.

“The services of pharmacists are invaluable and the strength of the entire health sector,” said Justice of the Kerala High Court, Devan Ramachandran. As the event’s chief guest, he said that the great service of pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic will never be forgotten. He also said that the participation of pharmacists in prescribing medicines for patients will increase in India, as it has in foreign countries.

The event honoured people who have left an indelible mark in the field of pharmacy for the last five decades. The IPA Pharma Excellence Award was given to Prof AK Chandrasekharan for education, Dr CI Jolly for research, Dr Muhammad Majeed from the industrial sector, NS Alexander from the regulatory sector, and MJ Annakutty for community pharmacy.

MP George is the Vice President of the Kerala Chapter of the Indian Pharmaceutical Association and presided over the function held at Amrita Hospital, Kochi. Also present were Dr Vishal Marwaha, Amrita School of Medicine Principal; Dr M Sabita, Amrita School of Pharmacy Principal; Dr John Joseph, IPA Kerala Unit Secretary; Dr David Joseph; MR Pradeep; PK Harikumar; KR Dinesh Kumar, Member of the Pharmacy Council of India; Dr Muhammad Hisham; and Sachin G Nair.