The Work

The work done by pharmacists involves the development and preparation of drugs from natural and synthetic sources, which are, thereafter, used in the prevention and cure of diseases. This involves working with. pharmaceutical manufacturers and analytical laboratories.

Pharmacists also study the properties, usage and effects of various drugs and how they can be utilized for the prevention or cure of a particular disease, or combined with other drugs to form certain medicines. The work also involves testing the drugs for purity and strength. Moreover,
pharmacists dispense drugs and medicines prescribed by physicians, surgeons, dentists and other specialists.

Major Tasks Performed

Pharmacists are involved, not only in the manufacture, distribution and retailing of drugs, but also as pharmacological advisers to various medical practitioners, as well as in the areas of teaching and research.

MANUFACTURE

The production of pharmaceuticals is done in the manufacturing units of various pharmaceutical companies. Based on the research conducted by various pharmacists, medical drugs are manufactured. The properties and reaction of the various drugs and chemicals are studied, prior to, and also after their manufacture, before they are introduced in the hospitals and drug stores.

MARKETING

Marketing of pharmaceuticals involves the sum total of all the business activities designed to plan, promote and distribute drugs and pharmaceuticals so as to satisfy the needs of the consumers. Consumers remain the main point of focus in the field of pharmaceutical marketing, even as they in turn, are becoming more curious and alert about the products they buy.

Today, more and more pharmaceutical companies are involved in market research in order to promote marketing strategies. The government of India has also established a National Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Development Council, in order to promote better marketing in the field of medicines.

ADVISORY TASKS

Since pharmacists possess maximum knowledge about the complexity and potential side effects of
various drugs, they are very often employed to advice medical practitioners on the selection and side effects of the drugs. They also perform a number of administrative duties in hospitals and other medical establishments.

TEACHING AND RESEARCH

Pharmacists with postgraduate degrees in pharmacy, or higher degrees, may opt for teaching
in professional institutions, or for research.

The research, however, is more practical work than theoretical work, and involves working in the laboratories testing the drugs, studying their potential side effects and properties, and the possible combinations for manufacturing other drugs.