The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science at Assam down town University hosted the North East Zone edition of Pharma Anveshan 2026 in Guwahati, bringing together academicians, policymakers, industry leaders and young researchers to discuss innovation and advancements in pharmaceutical sciences.
Organised under the aegis of the Pharmacy Council of India, the event served as a platform for collaboration between academia, industry and regulatory bodies while highlighting the growing role of research and innovation in the pharmaceutical sector.
Addressing the gathering, H. Lalhlenmawia, member of the executive committee of the Pharmacy Council of India and coordinator of the organising committee for the North East Zone programme, underscored the importance of collaborative initiatives that strengthen pharmaceutical education and research.
He encouraged students and young professionals to actively participate in research and innovation to shape the future of the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
Pharma Anveshan is organised annually to mark the birth anniversary of Mahadeva Lal Shroff, widely regarded as the pioneer of pharmacy education in India.
The programme aims to promote scientific excellence while encouraging innovation among pharmacy students and professionals.
The inaugural session was attended by several eminent dignitaries, including the chief guest Montu Kumar M. Patel, president of the Pharmacy Council of India.
In his address, Patel emphasised the need to strengthen partnerships between academic institutions and the pharmaceutical industry to address evolving healthcare challenges.
He highlighted the introduction of a revised pharmacy curriculum aligned with the National Education Policy, designed to make pharmacy education more interdisciplinary and skill-oriented.
The updated curriculum will incorporate emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), medical devices and biotechnology within the B.Pharm programme.
Patel also announced the formation of a new ERP committee aimed at improving digital systems in pharmacy education, enabling faster reporting and better academic management.
In addition, he said medical device education will be introduced at the M.Pharm level, reflecting the growing importance of device technologies in modern healthcare.
He further noted that the council plans to introduce a single-window system to streamline institutional processes and approvals for pharmacy colleges.
Financial assistance of up to Rs. 1 crore will also be made available to institutions for upgrading infrastructure, laboratories and information technology facilities.
Welcoming participants, Saikat Sen, dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science and organising secretary of the event, said the platform plays an important role in encouraging young researchers to present new ideas and build collaborative networks.
During the programme, members of the pharmacy fraternity who cleared prestigious Group A Civil Service examinations in Assam and Mizoram were felicitated for their achievements.
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The event also witnessed the launch of Pharmacy Today, the official newsletter of the Pharmacy Council of India, along with the institutional magazine of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science highlighting academic achievements, research work and student initiatives.
An academia–industry panel discussion featuring experts from regulatory bodies, pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions explored emerging trends, research collaboration and the future of pharmacy education.
Participants also took part in scientific sessions, poster presentations, patent displays and innovation showcases that highlighted the research capabilities of young scholars from the region.
The programme concluded with a valedictory session featuring cultural performances celebrating the diversity of Northeast India, followed by the announcement of winners from various scientific competitions.
Organisers expressed gratitude to faculty members, volunteers and participants who contributed to the success of Pharma Anveshan 2026.
