PHARMACY WEEK: T. Satish, joint secretary, Indian Pharmaceutical Association, receiving Governor Surjit Singh Barnala at a function in Chennai on Saturday. — Photo: V.Ganesan

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Governor Surjit Singh Barnala has called upon drug companies to reduce profit margin on lifesaving drugs.

Inaugurating the 45th National Pharmacy Week celebrations, organised by the Indian Pharmacists Association, here on Saturday, he said: "We must ensure that drugs of the widest need are produced in large quantities at the lowest possible prices, in conformity with the strictest standards."

Any health delivery system depended on the quality and enthusiasm of its personnel, he said. "Skill lies in showing that the best treatment is not necessarily the costliest." He urged pharmacists to be ready to handle new challenges in the profession.

Mr. Barnala said pharmacy education must be upgraded with the syllabus modified periodically. He congratulated the pharmaceutical industry on having achieved self-sufficiency and global recognition. The Governor also cautioned the public against self-medication as it could lead to lethal effects.

Health Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran said the meet was aimed at spreading awareness among the public against self-medication. developed countries were witnessing a large number of deaths due to the ill effects and side effects of consuming drugs without prescription. The Pharmaco Vigilance Laboratory had been instituted in India to keep track of such deaths in the country, he said.

Pharmacy Council of India president B. Suresh said Tamil Nadu had only two United States-approved pharmaceutical units as against 27 in Andhra Pradesh. Developing more units would generate fresh opportunities for pharmacists in the State.

V. Ravichandran, Governing Council Member of the Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, and president of the Indian Pharmacists Association, thanked the State Government for having appointed a pharmacist as Drugs Controller.

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