Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Media Release
Udupi, Apr 1: Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), a constituent unit of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, organized ‘Pharma Anveshan 2026, Karnataka’ on March 30, at Manipal, in association with the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), New Delhi, as part of the nationwide celebration of National Pharmacy Education Day. MCOPS, MAHE, was proud to host the Karnataka chapter, sponsored by the Pharmacy Council of India, focused on enhancing pharmacy education and promoting innovation and collaboration among key stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector.
Dr Montukumar M Patel, president, Pharmacy Council of India PCI, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The event was presided over by Lt gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), vice chancellor, MAHE. Dr Sharath K Rao, pro vice chancellor, Health Sciences, MAHE, and Jashubhai Hirabhai Chaudary, vice president of PCI, attended as guests of honour. Dr Saleemulla Khan, central council member of PCI, was also present along with other distinguished members and delegates.
Presiding over the inaugural ceremony, Lt gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, vice chancellor, VSM (Retd), MAHE, stated, “Pharma Anveshan reflects the collective commitment of academia and regulatory bodies to continuously strengthen pharmacy education in India. At MAHE, we are dedicated to promoting innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and global benchmarks in pharmaceutical sciences to meet society's evolving healthcare needs.”
Dr Sharath K Rao, pro vice chancellor, Health Sciences, MAHE, said, “Such platforms are vital for bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Pharma Anveshan provides an opportunity for meaningful engagement among stakeholders, enabling the development of future-ready pharmacy professionals equipped to contribute effectively to patient care and public health.”
In his address, Dr Montukumar M Patel, president, PCI, highlighted the importance of aligning pharmacy education with global standards and emphasised the need for continuous professional development to meet the dynamic demands of the healthcare sector. He explained the future plans of the Pharmacy Council of India in uplifting the pharmacy profession in India. The dignitaries collectively underscored the critical role of pharmacists in ensuring patient safety, rational drug use, and advancing public health outcomes. Dr B Jayakar, Member of the Pharmacy Council of India, explained the achievements of the Pharmacy Council of India.
Dr Srinivas Mutalik, principal, MCOPS, MAHE, Manipal and convener of Pharma Anveshan, welcomed the gathering and described the importance of Pharma Anveshan and its theme.
The event witnessed the participation of eminent dignitaries, including senior leadership from PCI, several government regulatory authorities, industry professionals, academicians, start-up founders, principals, faculty members, researchers, and students from across Karnataka. The programme served as a significant platform for dialogue on emerging trends, regulatory frameworks, and the evolving role of pharmacy professionals in healthcare delivery. The programme included a series of technical sessions, panel discussions, and interactive engagements. Expert talks by industry leaders, including Dr Sunil Attavar and Dr Vijay Kulkarni, focused on strengthening collaboration between academia and industry. A panel discussion on the future pharma ecosystem, along with a principals’ meet with PCI members and brainstorming sessions with industry professionals, provided strategic insights into advancing pharmacy education.
The event also included over 150 research presentations, 20 patent showcases, and a startup expo featuring more than 20 startups. Interactive initiatives such as ‘Chaai pe Charcha’ facilitated meaningful dialogue among stakeholders. Representatives from leading pharmaceutical companies, including Cipla Ltd, Himalaya Wellness Company, Schrodinger, Eli Lilly, Novartis, and Jubilant Biosys, actively participated, along with government regulatory authorities.
The valedictory ceremony was graced by Dr Montukumar M Patel, president of the Pharmacy Council of India PCI, who attended as the chief guest, while Jashubhai Hirabhai Chaudary, vice president of PCI, and Dr P Giridhar Kini, registrar, MAHE, were the guests of honour. Several PCI members representing the State and South Zone were also present. Dr Saleemulla Khan, central council member of PCI, provided an overview of the event.
Pharma Anveshan 2026 Karnataka highlighted the collective commitment of academia, industry, and regulatory bodies to enhance pharmacy education and bolster India's healthcare system.
Notably, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MCOPS), a 63-year legacy institution, has been ranked among the Top 10 Pharmacy Colleges in India by NIRF, and MAHE is at 76th position globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 in Pharmacy and Pharmacology, underscoring its academic excellence and global standing in pharmaceutical sciences.