Pharmacists – Key Partners in Healthcare: The Apollo University Celebrates World Pharmacists Day 2025

The Apollo University, Chittoor, celebrated World Pharmacists Day 2025 with great enthusiasm and academic spirit, reaffirming the vital role of pharmacists as key partners in healthcare. The program commenced with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and the ushering in of knowledge. The event was attended by students, faculty, and dignitaries to honor the contributions of pharmacists in ensuring safe medication use, drug quality assurance, and patient guidance.

The program commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, setting a dignified tone for the day. Prof. Dr. H. Vinod Bhat, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and extended warm greetings to the pharmacy fraternity. In his address, he highlighted the indispensable role of pharmacists in healthcare systems, stating that they are not only responsible for dispensing medicines but also for guiding patients with proper instructions, ensuring rational drug use, and preventing adverse effects. He spoke about the evolution of the “Seven-Star Pharmacist” model—adding two more stars, entrepreneurship and research, to acknowledge the growing importance of pharmacists in driving innovation and contributing to the economy.

Dr. Bhat stressed that pharmacists are lifelong learners, with each star representing a distinct and specialized field of pharmacy. He urged students to embrace opportunities with a sense of responsibility, envisioning pharmacists as leaders who can educate, serve, and uplift communities. Taking the vision further, he challenged AIPS to establish a community pharmacy outlet inside Apollo Knowledge City (AKC), which could serve as a model of service and education for surrounding communities.

Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Bhat emphasized that the services of pharmacists gained wide recognition during the crisis. Their proactive role in educating the public on safe medication practices and creating awareness about drug safety was influential in building community trust. He also highlighted Apollo’s revolutionary achievements, noting that the Apollo Pharmacy network is the largest in the world with more than 6,500 outlets across India, and ranked among the top 12 global pharmacy chains. He further pointed out Apollo’s innovation in online medicine delivery and follow-up patient services, which demonstrates how the institution is redefining pharmacy practice.

In a thought-provoking suggestion, he encouraged the institute to contribute monthly articles in local newspapers, authored by faculty experts and educators from AIPS, to address pressing community issues such as ignorance, attitudes, and health illiteracy. He noted that such outreach initiatives could create significant impact by bridging the gap between medical science and society.

Prof. K. Bhaskar Reddy, Dean of the Apollo Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (AIPS), addressed the gathering and reminded students of the great responsibility pharmacists carry. He stated that “beyond the act of dispensing medicines, pharmacists are educators, guides, and protectors of public health,” stressing the need for awareness, safety, and continuous learning in the profession.

As part of the celebration, a video presentation showcased the global significance of World Pharmacists Day, followed by a creative skit performance by students. The skit delivered a strong message on the importance of awareness, rational drug use, and the evolving role of pharmacists in society.

The event was attended by Registrar Prof. M. Poharaju; Deans Prof. Ramayya Itumalla and Prof. Jagadishan; AIMSR Pharmacology HoD Dr. Satchitananda Adiga; Forensic Medicine HoD Prof. Srinivasareddy; Allied Health Sciences HoD Dr. Sucharitha P.; Associate Professor Dr. Rajasekhar; along with several faculty members, heads of departments, and enthusiastic students.

The celebration concluded with a collective call to action for pharmacy professionals to continue their role as guardians of drug safety and trusted partners in healthcare delivery. The theme for World Pharmacists Day 2025, “Think Health, Think Pharmacist,” served as the guiding spirit of the celebrations. The theme highlights the central role pharmacists play in every aspect of healthcare—from ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines to promoting preventive care and health awareness. It reinforces the message that whenever people think of health, the pharmacist should be recognized as the first point of contact and trusted partner in safeguarding well-being. At The Apollo University, this theme was brought to life through thought-provoking speeches, student performances, and discussions that emphasized the profession’s responsibility in shaping healthier communities.