Competencies for the Indian D. Pharm Holders

Competency is defined as "A distinct composite of knowledge, skill, attitude, and value that is essential to the practice of the profession in real-life contexts".

The candidates who successfully complete the Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) program, from the institutions approved by the Pharmacy Council of India are expected to attain the following professional competencies.

1. Review Prescriptions
2. Dispense Prescription / Non-Prescription Medicines
3. Provide Patient Counselling / Education
4. Hospital and Community Pharmacy Management
5. Expertise on Medications
6. Proficiency in drugs/pharmaceuticals
7. Entrepreneurship and Leadership
8. Deliver Primary and Preventive Healthcare
9. Professional, Ethical, and Legal Practice
10. Continuing Professional Development

1. Review Prescriptions: The student should receive and handle prescriptions in a professional manner and be able to check for their completeness and correctness.

1. Dispense Prescription / Non-Prescription Medicines: The student should be able to dispense the various scheduled drugs/medicines as per the implications of the Drug & Cosmetics Act and Rules thereunder. Also, non-prescription medicines (over-the-counter drugs) should be dispensed judicially to the patients as required.

1. Provide Patient Counselling / Education: The student should be able to effectively counsel / educate the patients/caretakers about the prescription / nonprescription medicines and other health-related issues. Effective communication includes using both oral and written communication skills and various communication techniques.

1. Hospital and Community Pharmacy Management: The student should be able to manage the drug distribution system as per the policies and guidelines of the hospital pharmacy, good community pharmacy practice, and the recommendations of regulatory agencies. Also, be able to manage the procurement, inventory, and distribution of medicines in hospital/community pharmacy settings.

1. Expertise on Medications: The student should be able to provide an expert opinion on medications to health care professionals on safe and effective medication use, relevant policies and procedures based on available evidence.

1. Proficiency in Pharmaceutical Formulations: The student should be able to describe the chemistry, characteristics, types, merits, and demerits of both drugs and excipients used in pharmaceutical formulations based on her/his knowledge and scientific resources.

1. Entrepreneurship and Leadership: The student should be able to acquire entrepreneurial skills in dynamic professional environments. Also, be able to achieve leadership skills through teamwork and sound decision-making skills.

1. Deliver Primary and Preventive Healthcare: The student should be able to contribute to various healthcare programs of the nation including disease prevention initiatives to improve public health. Also, contribute to the promotion of national health policies.

1. Professional, Ethical, and Legal Practice: The student should be able to deliver professional services in accordance with legal, ethical, and professional guidelines with integrity.

1. Continuing Professional Development: The student should be able to recognize the gaps in the knowledge and skills in the effective delivery of professional services from time to time and be self-motivated to bridge such gaps by attending continuing professional development programs.

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