Mysuru: The Indian Pharmaceutical Association, Mysore Local Branch, celebrated World Pharmacists Day yesterday with the theme “From research to health care: Your pharmacist is at your service” at Sri Rajendra Auditorium, JSS College of Pharmacy, Mysuru  .

Prof. K.S. Rangappa, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Mysore, who was the chief guest, spoke on the importance of Pharmacists in the health care delivery. Dr. T.M. Pramod Kumar, Principal, JSS College of Pharmacy, in his Presidential address, highlighted the achievements of Pharmacists from research to patient care.

C.M. Shivakumar, Deputy Drugs Controller, Mysuru Division, Dr. Hanumanthachar Joshi, Principal, Sarada Vilas College of Pharmacy and Dr. Md. Salahuddin, Principal, Farooqia College of Pharmacy were the guests of honour.

On the occasion, Aushada Ratna Awards were presented to Pharmacists in three categories: Community Pharmacy – R. Ravindra Babu, Proprietor, Ravi Medicals, Mysuru; Hospital Pharmacy – V. Mahesh Kumar, Chief Pharmacist, Mysore Medical College and Research Institute; Academic Pharmacy – Dr. D. Vishakante Gowda, Professor and Head, Department  of Pharmaceutics, JSS College of Pharmacy.

The event was held in association with Karnataka State Government Pharmacists Association, Railway Pharmacists Association, ESI Pharmacists Association, Chemists & Druggists Association and Karnataka Registered Pharmacists Association, Mysuru branches.

Dr. Gurubasavaraj Pujar, President, Indian Pharmaceutical Association, Mysore Branch, welcomed. Dr. J. Suresh, Treasurer, proposed a vote of thanks.