The Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sindh (SU), Jamshoro, marked World Pharmacists Day on Tuesday with a grand seminar and a poster exhibition aimed at recognizing the vital role of pharmacists in healthcare and pharmaceutical innovation.

The event, attended by more than 50 pharmacists and experts from academia and the industry was inaugurated by Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Fateh Muhammad Marri along with Dean Faculty of Pharmacy Professor Dr. Muhammad Ali Ghoto, Principal Indus College of Pharmacy Tando Muhammad Khan Professor (R) Dr. Abdullah Dayo, Additional Director Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan Dr. Abdul Rasool Shaikh, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Abdul Sattar Shah, Registrar Professor Dr. Mushtaque Ali Jariko, Dr. Arfana Begum Mallah, and other senior faculty members.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. Marri also cut a cake to mark the occasion, symbolizing unity within the pharmaceutical community.

Addressing the seminar, the VC praised the contributions of pharmacists as vital partners in healthcare delivery.

“Pharmacists are drug experts dedicated to improving patients’ health and wellbeing,” he said and added that their principal goal was to achieve positive outcomes from the use of medication, enhancing patients’ quality of life while minimizing risks.

He added that Sindh University was producing world-class pharmacists, whose professional expertise was being recognized globally.

Highlighting the role of pharmacists in public education, Dr. Marri said they not only guided patients about the proper use of prescribed and over-the-counter medicines but also advised doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals on drug-related decisions.

The Vice-Chancellor further emphasized the growing importance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in advancing Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry.

He urged pharmacists to focus on establishing small-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing units, even starting with one-room facilities.

“This approach will help eliminate spurious, adulterated and substandard drugs from the market,” he said and added that “Pakistan currently had only about 500 operating pharmaceutical factories compared to India’s 150,000 units.

Later, the Vice-Chancellor visited the poster exhibition organized by pharmacy students, where he interacted with undergraduates and appreciated their creativity, research work and innovative ideas for advancing the profession.

Dean Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali Ghoto lauded the efforts of students and faculty in organizing the event and said such platforms helped bridge the gap between academia and the pharmaceutical industry.

“World Pharmacists Day is not just a celebration, but a reminder of our responsibility toward ethical practice and quality healthcare,” he remarked.