Srinagar, October 09: The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir (KU), in collaboration with the Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI), J&K Branch, commemorated World Pharmacists Day 2025 under the theme “Think Health, Think Pharmacist.”
The event brought together academicians, healthcare professionals, and students to reaffirm the indispensable role of pharmacists in public health, medicine safety, and healthcare innovation.
The event was held at a time when counterfeit and substandard drugs pose a growing threat to global health, thereby underscoring the timely importance of educating healthcare stakeholders and strengthening professional ethics in pharmaceutical practice.
In her inaugural address, Vice-Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofer Khan emphasized that “pharmacists form an essential link between medical research and patient well-being.” She noted that their deep scientific knowledge, ethical responsibility, and patient-centered approach are key to ensuring safe and effective healthcare delivery.
Prof. Khan also urged young pharmacy professionals to channel their innovation and research towards improving community health outcomes.
In his remarks Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah (IAS), Secretary to the Government, Health and Medical Education Department, J&K, highlighted the evolving responsibilities of pharmacists—from dispensing medicines to advancing clinical research and patient care. “Counterfeit drugs remain a serious challenge,” he cautioned, calling on pharmacists to embrace technology, enhance vigilance, and collaborate across disciplines to develop research-driven solutions for emerging health threats.
Dean Research KU, Prof. Mohammad Sultan Bhat, and Registrar KU, Prof. Naseer Iqbal, both reflected on the growing relevance of pharmaceutical sciences in addressing modern health challenges and shaping effective healthcare policies.
Meanwhile, Prof. (Dr.) Iffat Hassan, Principal and Dean, GMC Srinagar, emphasized that pharmacists are “crucial partners in public health and integral to clinical decision-making within hospitals.”
In his virtual address, Prof. Milind Umekar, President of APTI, acknowledged the pivotal role of pharmacists in advancing healthcare education, innovation, and patient-centered research. Echoing this sentiment, Prof. Zulfiqar Bhat, Dean, School of Applied Sciences and Technology, KU, highlighted the pharmacist’s expertise in medicines and their indispensable role in the modern healthcare ecosystem.
Earlier, Prof. Sabeeha Shafi, Head, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, KU, welcomed the participants, describing the event as a platform to celebrate and recognize the professional contributions of pharmacists to community and clinical health.
Prof. M.I. Geer, Organising Secretary of the event, underscored the growing responsibilities of pharmacists in a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, urging them to remain committed to patient safety and continuous professional learning.
The inaugural session witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, healthcare experts, scholars, pharmacists, and students, both online and offline, celebrating the vital contributions of pharmacists to global and community health.
Dr Abid visits KU’s Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations (CIRI)
Later, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah (IAS), visited KU’s Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations (CIRI). He was apprised of the Centre’s state-of-the-art research facilities, advanced scientific instrumentation, and ongoing interdisciplinary projects.
Dr. Shah commended the Centre’s international collaborations and recent research achievements, and called for meaningful collaboration between KU’s CIRI and Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar to advance joint research for the benefit of public health and society at large.
