Mysore/Mysuru: Maintaining that Pharma personnel and Nursing and Paramedical staff  play a vital role in health services, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI) Dean and Director Dr. C.P. Nanjaraj said it is not correct to appoint these personnel on a contract basis in the Health Department.

He was speaking after inaugurating 59th National Pharmacy Week organised by Mysuru-Chamarajanagar District  Unit of Karnataka State Pharmacy Officers Association at a private hotel on Dewan’s road on Sunday.

Noting that the Government makes appointment to Group C and D posts in Health Department on a contract basis on many occasions,  Dr. Nanjaraj contended that contract appointments will impact the efficacy of health services. He said that he has written to the Government many times on making regular appointments to these key posts.

Highlighting the role of Pharmacists in healthcare, he called upon the Pharmacists to be updated with the latest advancements in Pharmaceutical sector.

Contending that Human Resources is an important factor in the Pharma industry, he said that everyone should learn from the lessons of COVID-19 pandemic outbreak last year.

All India and Karnataka State Pharmacy Officers Association President  Dr. B.S. Desai, who delivered the keynote address, regretted decline in Government programmes on knowledge development for Pharmacists.

Pointing out that the Government is facing staff shortage for logistical support in Pharma distribution, he said that this has resulted in pressure on the existing staff. 

He urged the Government to fill up 3,500 Pharma vacancies in the State. He also urged the authorities to crackdown on multiple number of pharmacies operating under one licence.

DCP Dr. A.N. Prakash Gowda, who was the guest of honour, said that though Pharmacists are not seen in the forefront of  healthcare, they are doing a great service to society staying in the background.

Retired Pharmacists were felicitated on the occasion.

Health and Family Welfare Department  Joint Director Dr. M.R. Udaykumar,  Mysuru DHO Dr. T. Amarnath, Chamarajanagar DHO Dr. M.C. Ravi, Deputy Controller of Drugs B.P. Arun, Pharmacy Officers Association office-bearers M.Vijayalakshmi, C.L. Somashekar and others were present.