AstraZeneca India, a science-led biopharmaceutical company, has recently launched iPHARMACY, an upscaling programme for pharmacists. For the first phase of the program, the company has partnered with Neethi, a cooperative consumer federation limited company from Kerala. The next step will include collaboration with large pharma retail chains to expand this programme across the country.

Dr. Anil Kukreja, Vice-President, Medical Affairs and Regulatory Department, stated that there is an urgent need to bridge the gaps in existing healthcare infrastructure and ensure that support reaches all healthcare stakeholders and patients, thereby improving their outcomes. He added that, through this initiative that is designed to upskill pharmacists in delivering essential support services and standard counseling, they are trying to fill the knowledge gap that exists at the point of care for patients.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. M. Salim, M.D., Kerala State Cooperative Consumer Federation Limited, added that the upskilling of pharmacists will bring instant and long-lasting benefits to the healthcare system and will improve patient morale and likeliness to follow prescribed treatment. 

(Source: https://theindianpractitioner.com/astrazeneca-launches-ipharmacy-a-program-to-up-skill-pharmacists-across-india/)