World Pharmacist Day: Vigilance against drug adulteration emphasized at IMS and SUM Hospital

Bhubaneswar, Sept 25: At a program held on Wednesday to commemorate World Pharmacist Day at the Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, the importance of vigilance against the adulteration of life-saving medications was emphasized. Ms. Saswati Das, Vice-President of Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA), who served as the chief guest for the event titled "Elixir-2024," urged pharmacists to be proactive in their roles, emphasizing their responsibility to humanity.

She called on pharmacists to innovate and develop new, high-quality medications that minimize side effects and to remain alert to potential future pandemics, such as COVID-19. Reflecting on this year's World Pharmacists’ Day theme—“Pharmacist: Meeting Global Health Needs”—Ms. Das highlighted the essential role pharmacists play in promoting public health globally and praised those at IMS and SUM Hospital for their dedication.

Dr. Jasmin Panda, Head of the Pharmacy Department, discussed the significance of World Pharmacist Day, while Ms. Mamina Patnaik, Odisha’s Drugs Controller, emphasized the vital contributions of pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic and advocated for greater societal recognition of their efforts.

The event concluded with Ms. Das presenting awards to the winners of various competitions held in honor of the day. Other notable speakers included Prof. (Dr.) Sanghamitra Mishra, Dean of IMS and SUM Hospital, Prof. (Dr.) Arakhita Swain, Dean of IMS and SUM Hospital-2 at Phulnakhara, Prof. (Dr.) Pusparaj Samantasinhar, Medical Superintendent of IMS and SUM Hospital, and Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Lenka, Medical Superintendent of IMS and SUM Hospital-2 at Phulnakhara.