The 5th Annual Convention APTICON of the Punjab State branch of the Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI), organized successfully at Amar Shaheed Baba Ajit Singh Jujhar Singh Memorial College of Pharmacy in BELA (Ropar).
The two-day event, held under the theme "CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR PHARMACY EDUCATION SUPPORTING INDIAN HEALTHCARE SYSTEM," brought together around 1000 pharmacy faculty, research scholars, and students from across India.
The convention was inaugurated by Prof. Dulal Panda, Director of the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Mohali. Dr. Panda emphasized the importance of fostering a research-oriented environment in colleges and expressed optimism about the future, referring to the coming years as a golden era for the pharmaceutical field.
Dr. Shailesh Sharma, Co-Convener and Director of the hosting college, welcomed all to the convention. Dr. G. D. Gupta Convener of the convention highlights about the convention. During the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formalized during the event, signifying a collaborative effort between the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER) Mohali and APTI Punjab State branch.
The MoU aims to foster an environment conducive to enhancing pharmaceutical research by leveraging the strengths and expertise of both entities. Prof. Gulshan Bansal (Dean Pharmacy, Punjabi University, Patiala), the President of APTI Punjab State Branch, spoke about the strategic significance of partnering with an esteemed institution like NIPER Mohali.
The collaboration is poised to create synergies that will benefit the pharmaceutical education and research landscape in the state. A significant aspect of the convention was a panel discussion involving 12 pharmacy professionals from various esteemed government and private organizations.
Chaired by Prof. Sanjay Jachak (NIPER Mohali) and Prof. R.K Goel (Punjabi University, Patiala), the discussion aimed to identify and address challenges in the pharmacy profession to strengthen its role in the healthcare system. Punjab APTI team In recognition of their outstanding contributions to pharmaceutical research and education , Prof. Anupam Sharma and Prof. Ashish Baldi bestowed the Lifetime Achievement Award and Excellence Award, respectively.
The program featured distinguished speakers such as Dr. Harish Chander (National Institute of Biologicals, Noida), Mr. Rajeev Nayyar (Fresenius Kabi Oncology Ltd., Baddi), and Mr. Navjeet Singh Bhatti (Director, Paraxel, Chandigarh), who shared insights into new findings in pharmaceutical research.
Cultural events, presented by students from various pharmacy colleges, added a joyful dimension to the convention. The scientific session featured approximately 160 oral and E-poster presentations on diverse pharmaceutical research topics. Additionally, competitions including quizzes, debates, and model presentations were organized to further enrich the knowledge of the delegates.
Dr. Suresh Thakkar, the Coordinator, and Dr. Sandeep Kumar, the Organizing Secretary, expressed their gratitude to dignitaries, delegates, the college management, press and media members, and sponsors for their immense support in making the convention a success. The event served as a platform for the exchange of ideas, collaboration, and recognition of excellence in the field of pharmaceutical education and research.