Ziauddin Medical University (ZMU) has started its first academic session of 5 years Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) programme from February 1, 2005. According to a ZMU's press release, 200 applications were received for admission to 1st year programme, out of which 60 applicants were selected on merit basis. In order to meet the local and global needs and requirements Pharmacy Council of Pakistan recommended the previous 4 years B.Pharm Degree programme to switch over to Pharm.D throughout Pakistan since January 2005. Since 1991 most of the US and Canadian Universities are recognising only Pharm. D Degree as the sole degree for entry into pharmacy practice.

In this connection, an Orientation ceremony of the new course was held at ZMU Clifton Campus which was also attended by Chancellor ZMU Asim Hussain and Vice Chancellor, Shahid Aziz Siddiqi. The chancellor welcomed the introduction of new programme and hoped that the product of the college of pharmacy will be very useful for the health care system of the country.

While the VC Shahid Aziz Siddiqi gave an overview of ZMU and highlighted the importance of the new pharmacy programme. The advisor to the chancellor on academic affairs, Professor N.A. Jaffarey spoke on the current development in education methodology.

The other speakers elaborated the origin, scope and objectives of Pharm.D education and pointed out that the teaching and examination methodology of the college will be creative and goal oriented within the overall academic requirements as laid down by the Pharmacy Council of Pakistan.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005