The history of pharmacists is ancient. From the time, when people would keep the organic compounds of remedies to heal wounds, the elite class was to be the only privileged.
Pharmacists are also known as chemists. They are healthcare professionals who specialize in formulating, controlling, preserving, and dispensing medications.
They also provide counseling on how one should take medicines to achieve the greatest benefits with no side effects.
The key role of the pharmacist is to promote the safe use of medications and other health care products and help society make the best use of them.
A pharmacist can work in many locations, including online and offline pharmacy stores, medical stores, clinics, physician offices, and hospitals.
In the practical field, there are several types of pharmacists who work based on their area of expertise and job industry; community pharmacists, drug pharmacists, military pharmacists, hospital pharmacists, and research pharmacists.
A pharmacist must be registered under GPhC (The General Pharmaceutical Council).
Pharmacist Average Salary in India 2022
The salary in every sector depends on the experience. Similarly, in the pharma sector; the salary increases with experience, skills, and location.
It also depends on an hourly basis and a monthly basis. An entry-level pharmacist in India with less than 2 years of experience can earn up to approx.
₹141 per hour and ₹205,000 – ₹275,000 per annum. It goes up to 610,000 with experience.
Average salaries of Top companies for pharmacists in India
- Cloud nine Hospital – ₹21,016
- Alaska – ₹21,345
- Matrix – ₹20,177
- Reliance Retail – ₹18,824
Pharmacists earn the most in Gurgaon, Haryana, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengaluru, Karnataka.
What does a Pharmacist do?
Pharmacists are experts in the field of pharmaceuticals. They may consult with doctors about pharmacological alternatives if necessary.
Most pharmacists work in drug stores, hospitals, private pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities. Below are the duties and responsibilities based on the area of expertise.
- Retail Pharmacist – Works in Drug stores and grocery stores. Essential duties are to fill prescriptions, provide vaccinations, and make customers aware of basic health.
- Clinical Pharmacist – Works in hospitals. Specialized in pediatrics, geriatrics, cardiology, and transplantation. Advises doctor on the best therapeutics for patients.
- Nuclear Pharmacist – Works in hospitals. Responsibilities include preparing radioactive materials for procedures like MRI and CT scans.
Education and Training to Become a Pharmacist
In India, the minimum qualification required for practicing as a pharmacist is a pharmacy diploma. The degree covers two years and three months of undergraduate pharmacy education.
Furthermore, in order to work as a licensed pharmacist, one must complete a PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) or PharmB (Bachelor of Pharmacy) course and be licensed to practice.
The undergraduate curriculum (Doctor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Pharmacy) lasts around four years. Medical ethics and pharmacology are two additional disciplines included in a pharma degree.
Students can also take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) to get into a pharmacy school.
During the course, students also get to perform internships in hospitals or retail pharmacies to gain practical experience and gain an understanding of industrial-scale standards.
Furthermore, to gain knowledge of the usage of technology and tools in a particular field.
Responsibility of Pharmacists
According to the research by the General Pharmaceutical Council, pharmacists are responsible for supervising the supply and stock chain of medicines, advising patients about medicines, and providing services to patients such as blood pressure measurement.
Furthermore, they are responsible for assessing the quality of medicine before it is supplied to patients.
Roles of Pharmacists
- Advise other healthcare professionals as well about the safety and effective use of medicines.
- Responds to the patient’s symptoms and advises on medicines for sale in pharmacies.
- Advises patients about health topics such as good diet, exercise, and managing stress.
- Keep records of administrative tasks.
- Some pharmacists own their pharmacies and spend time on business activities.
Where do Pharmacists Work?
As discussed above in the article, pharmacists work in different areas of expertise.
They work in different environments, such as primary care organizations, universities in research, prisons, veterinary pharmacy, pharmaceutical production or sales, and other pharmacy organizations.
Most pharmacists work in community pharmacies and hospital pharmacies.
Factors affecting a Pharmacist’s Salary in India
The major factors affecting the salary of pharmacists are experience, skills, and location. The common skills
- Experience – Based on the 238 salaries, an entry-level pharmacist with 0-2 years of experience earns an average salary in India of ₹241,566 per annum.
Based on the research of 280 salaries, a mid-career pharmacist with 5-9 years of experience earns on average ₹295,592 per annum.
Professionals with more than 10-15 years of experience earn on average ₹330,000 per annum. - Location – If compared to the government pharmacist’s salary in India, pharmacists working in Delhi NCR earns 16.1% more on average, 12.5% more in Maharashtra, and in Hyderabad, AP, TN earn the lowest.
The Career Path as a Pharmacist
To get admission in the pharmacy sector, one should have 50% marks in 12th (PCM/PCB). One can go for any of the given course’s diploma/PharmD/B Pharma, depending on the duration of the pharma course.
Diploma candidates can receive straight admission into the second year of the four-year degree program. Course expenses range from ₹4 lakh to ₹5 lakh on average.
The top universities such as BITS, BHU, and Manipal conduct entrance exams for taking admission to their colleges.
Admissions are based on the entrance score and interview. To work in a government sector, one may write the SSC Pharmacist exam, DSSSB Pharmacist exam, and CRPF Pharmacist.
Conclusion
The article makes you familiar with the terms "pharmacists" and "pharmacists’ salaries" in India. The article depicts the salary scenario based on a survey of the government salaries in India.
One of the life-savior professions that requires a lot of dedication to practice in real life. One may choose a career path based on one's preference and on the time duration and fee structure.
Most of the students opt for B Pharma rather than other pharma courses. As B Pharma provides you with more knowledge on drugs and the scope is comparatively wider than PharmD or diploma in pharmacy.
Frequently Asked Questions- FAQs
1. How much does a pharmacist pay in India?
The salary of a pharmacist very much depends on the experience. On average, the salary of an entry-level pharmacist is ₹205,000 per annum.
If experienced for more than 10 years then, the average is ₹330,000 per annum.
2. What is the salary of an M Pharmacist in India?
The scope of salary after M Pharma is relatively high. However, someone with entry-level skills restricts the limit of their salary as he/she is entering a fresh candidate into the field.
On average, the salary of an M Pharmacist lies somewhere between 15 thousand to 50 thousand monthly.
3. What is the salary of a government Pharmacist in India?
The highest paying cities for pharmacists are Delhi (NCR) and Bengaluru. The salary of a government pharmacist starts at, 9300-34,800 (entry-level) monthly.
With experience and position, it gradually increases up to ₹76,000 (at the deputy director level).
4. Do pharmacists make good money in India?
Every field has a great scope if you are well versed in your skill set in a particular field. Indeed, pharmacists make a good amount of money on the job.
Alternately, they can practice on their own as they get a license after completing the course.