History of Indian pharmacy

• History of Indian pharmacy traces ancient Ayurveda, Siddha, and herbal traditions in drug use.
• The History of the Indian pharmacy profession in India can be divided into four main phases: ancient history, the colonial period, the post-independence period, and the modern era.

1. Ancient History of Indian pharmacy:

   • Pharmacy in India has roots in traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani.
   • Ancient texts such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, and the Atharva Veda detail medicinal plants and their preparation.
   • Healers like Vaidyas, Hakims, and Siddhars were responsible for preparing and dispensing medicines.

2. Colonial Period in History of Indian pharmacy:

   • British rule introduced allopathic medicine and established medical colleges, promoting Western medicine alongside traditional systems.
   • The first pharmacy course was introduced in 1863 at Calcutta Medical College.

3. Post-Independence Period:

   • After 1947, the Pharmacy Act of 1948 established the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) to regulate pharmacy education and the profession.
   • The first Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) course was introduced in 1953 at the University Department of Chemical Technology, Mumbai.
   • The Indian government promoted pharmaceutical self-sufficiency, and the 1970 Indian Patent Act allowed the production of generic drugs, boosting the pharmaceutical industry.

4. Modern Era:

   • Economic liberalization in the 1990s increased foreign investments and collaborations, making India a global leader in generic drug production.
   • India is now a major exporter of affordable medicines.
   • Pharmacy education has expanded with programs like D.Pharm, M.Pharm, and Pharm.D.
   • Organizations like PCI, IPA, AICTE, and NIPER play key roles in shaping the pharmacy profession in India.

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