UKHRUL: The National Pharmacy Week 2026 celebration was organised on 19 October at MSFDS, Imphal, by the College of Pharmacy, Kangleipak Medical and Nursing Institute, under the aegis of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), New Delhi. The event witnessed a gathering of approximately 1,500 participants from nine institutes, including pharmacists, healthcare professionals, academicians and pharmacy students.
The celebration focused on “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures” and “Swastha Bharat: Combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR),” highlighting the role of pharmacists in patient safety, responsible medicine use and public health.
Jashubhai Hirabhai Chaudhari, vice pesident of PCI, attended as chief guest. Other dignitaries included Naveen Sanghi, Mohd. Bashir, prof. Kumar Ajay, Sudhir Chandra Saha, Dinesh Kumar Madan, Dr. Shrikant Vijayrao Joshi, and Dr. N. Hemantakumar Singh, Director of Health Services, Manipur.
In his address, Dr. Shrikant Vijayrao Joshi, Central Council Member, PCI, encouraged students to showcase their research and bridge the gap between academia and industry. He highlighted the updated pharmacy curriculum, incorporating technological advancements, artificial intelligence and patient communication skills. He also discussed national-level competitions for state-level winners, leadership programmes and Aadhaar-based attendance to prevent malpractices.
Prof. Ningombam Ibotombi Singh, Controller of Examinations, Khongnangthaba University, emphasised the importance of pharmacy professionals as a vital link between medicines and the people who depend on them. He highlighted the need for quality medicines, responsible pharmacy education and competent, ethical professionals.
Dr. N. Hemantakumar Singh, Director of Health Services, Manipur, stressed that antimicrobial resistance makes infections increasingly difficult and expensive to treat. He explained that inappropriate antibiotic use is not merely a hospital-related problem but also a community, environmental and animal-health concern. He encouraged prescription audits, infection prevention, vaccination, hygiene and judicious antibiotic use.
The programme featured poster presentations, quizzes, slogan writing, leaflet development, reel-making, a nukkad natak and expert discussions. Participants were urged to use antibiotics only when prescribed by qualified healthcare professionals and to follow medical advice.
The event concluded with a call for stronger pharmacy education, responsible antimicrobial stewardship and collective action to combat AMR and build a healthier India.