History and Development of Pharmacy
Historical Background and Development of Profession of Pharmacy
The historical background and development of the pharmacy profession in India reflect a long journey from traditional healing practices to a structured, science-based healthcare discipline. The profession evolved significantly through distinct phases, beginning with indigenous systems of medicine such as Ayurveda and Siddha, where drug preparation and dispensing formed the foundation of early pharmaceutical practices. With the advent of modern medicine during the colonial era, pharmacy practice in India gradually shifted from unregulated compounding to a more formalized profession. This transformation accelerated post-Independence as the country recognized the need for trained pharmacists, leading to the systematic development of pharmacy practice, modernization of pharmacy education, and the establishment of regulatory frameworks. Over the decades, advancements in academic programs, the expansion of the pharmaceutical industry, and the formation of influential bodies like the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), and Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) strengthened the profession. Together, these developments shaped pharmacy into a well-defined field that supports healthcare delivery, ensures safe medication use, and contributes to India’s standing as a global pharmaceutical leader.
Development of Pharmacy Practice in India
The development of pharmacy practice in India has progressed through several stages, transforming from a simple dispensing activity into a structured, patient-oriented profession. In the earliest phase, pharmacists mainly served as compounders, preparing and dispensing medicines strictly under a physician’s instruction. Their role was limited, and formal training systems were absent. A significant change began with the enactment of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act in 1940 and the Pharmacy Act in 1948. These legislations brought standardization, regulation, and accountability to the profession, establishing the foundation for formal pharmacy education through diploma (D.Pharm) and later degree (B.Pharm) programs.
Between the 1960s and 1980s, the focus of pharmacy practice shifted heavily toward industrial roles. This period marked the rapid expansion of India’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, creating vast opportunities for pharmacists in areas such as drug production, quality control, quality assurance, formulation development, and research. As a result, community and clinical pharmacy practices grew slowly, as most pharmacists were employed in industry rather than in patient-care settings.
A major transformation began in the 2000s with the introduction of the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, which marked India’s formal entry into clinical pharmacy and advanced patient-care education. This program emphasized hospital-based training and introduced roles such as medication therapy management, drug information services, patient counselling, therapeutic drug monitoring, and pharmacovigilance activities. With this shift, healthcare institutions steadily started recognizing the value of pharmacists in improving treatment safety, preventing adverse drug reactions, and ensuring rational use of medicines.
In recent years, pharmacy practice in India has continued to evolve toward a more collaborative and patient-centric model. Pharmacists are increasingly involved in multidisciplinary healthcare teams, contributing to better therapeutic outcomes. Emerging opportunities have expanded into areas like clinical research, regulatory affairs, community pharmacy services, telepharmacy, pharmacovigilance, medical writing, and public health initiatives. This evolution reflects a broader recognition that pharmacists are not just dispensers of medication but crucial healthcare professionals who enhance patient safety, optimize drug therapy, and support the overall functioning of the healthcare system.
Major Milestones in Indian Pharmacy Practice
| Period / Phase | Key Developments | Pharmacist’s Role |
| Early Phase (Pre-1940s) | No formal pharmacy system; pharmacists worked under physicians | Mostly compounders; prepared and dispensed medicines strictly as per doctor’s instructions; no structured training |
| Legislative Foundation (1940–1950s) | Introduction of Drugs and Cosmetics Act (1940) and Pharmacy Act (1948) | Standardization and regulation of pharmacy practice; introduction of D.Pharm and later B.Pharm programs; formal professional identity formed |
| Industrial Expansion (1960s–1980s) | Rapid growth of Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing | Majority of pharmacists shifted to industry: drug production, quality control, quality assurance, formulation development, and research; community and clinical pharmacy developed slowly |
| Clinical Transformation (2000s) | Launch of Pharm.D program; formal entry into clinical pharmacy | Training focused on hospital-based practice; roles evolved into medication therapy management, patient counselling, therapeutic drug monitoring, drug information services, and pharmacovigilance |
| Modern Era (2010s–Present) | Growing recognition of pharmacist’s role in patient care; expansion of new fields | Integration into multidisciplinary healthcare teams; roles in clinical research, regulatory affairs, telepharmacy, community pharmacy, medical writing, public health, and advanced patient-care services |
Historical Background and Development of Pharmacy Education in India
Pharmacy education in India has a rich historical background shaped by the evolving healthcare needs of the country and global influences on medicinal sciences. The journey began in December 1860 at Madras Medical College, where the first formal pharmacy course was launched to train professionals in compounding, dispensing, and labeling pharmacopoeial preparations. The focus was primarily on assisting doctors and ensuring the safe preparation of medicines.
The next milestone was achieved in 1932, when Banaras Hindu University (BHU) established the first degree-level course in Pharmacy under the visionary leadership of Prof. M.L. Schroff, fondly remembered as the Father of Modern Pharmacy in India. Initially, he introduced a 2-year B.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, which laid the foundation for professional pharmacy education. By 1937, the university advanced this into a 3-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) program, marking the real beginning of structured higher education in pharmacy.
Postgraduate studies soon followed, with BHU introducing the Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) in 1940, as a 1-year research-based course. To strengthen both research and teaching, the program was expanded in 1952-53 to 1.5 years, incorporating formal classroom teaching alongside research. Over time, doctoral research opportunities emerged, giving rise to Ph.D. programs in pharmacy that contributed significantly to new drug discovery, pharmacological advancements, and pharmaceutical technology.
By the late 20th century, pharmacy education in India gained institutional strength through the establishment of advanced centers of excellence. A landmark development was the creation of the B.V. Patel PERD Centre in Ahmedabad (1990), dedicated to research-driven pharmaceutical education. This was followed by the prestigious National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Mohali in 1994, which specialized in cutting-edge domains like pharmaceutics, biotechnology, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and natural products. These institutions elevated Indian pharmacy education to international standards.
The regulation of pharmacy education has been overseen by the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), ensuring standardization of curriculum, infrastructure, and training methodologies. Only PCI-recognized institutions are authorized to admit students, and the official list of approved colleges is regularly updated on the PCI website.
In terms of the nature of learning, pharmacy education in India has always been designed as a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, with students required to undergo laboratory work, examinations, hospital or industrial training, depending on the course level. This holistic approach has not only ensured professional competency but also aligned graduates with the needs of both clinical healthcare services and pharmaceutical industry.
Major Milestones in Indian Pharmacy Education
| Year / Period | Institution / Authority | Key Development | Significance |
| 1860 (December) | Madras Medical College | First formal pharmacy course introduced | Training in compounding, dispensing, and labeling of medicines to support physicians |
| 1932 | Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | Introduction of 2-year B.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry by Prof. M.L. Schroff | Beginning of modern professional pharmacy education in India |
| 1937 | BHU | Upgraded to 3-year Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) program | First structured degree-level pharmacy education |
| 1940 | BHU | Introduction of Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) (1-year, research-based) | Establishment of postgraduate pharmacy education |
| 1952–53 | BHU | M.Pharm extended to 1.5 years with both classroom teaching and research | Strengthening of research and academic training |
| Later 20th century | Various Universities | Introduction and development of Ph.D. programs in pharmacy | Growth in research, drug discovery, and pharmaceutical technology |
| 1990 | B.V. Patel PERD Centre, Ahmedabad | Establishment of advanced research center | Boosted pharmaceutical research and innovation in India |
| 1994 | NIPER, Mohali | First National Institute dedicated to specialized research in pharmacy fields | Elevated Indian pharmaceutical education to international standards |
| Ongoing | Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) | Regulation of pharmacy curriculum, colleges, and training | Ensures quality, standardization, and professional competency |
| Current Education System | Universities + Industries/Hospitals | Blend of theory, laboratory work, and practical training | Produces skilled professionals for healthcare and pharma sectors |
Growth of the Pharmaceutical Industry in India
The pharmaceutical industry in India has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a largely import-dependent market in the early 20th century to one of the world’s leading producers of affordable medicines. In the beginning, multinational companies dominated the Indian market, and access to essential drugs was limited due to high prices. A major turning point came with the enactment of the Indian Patents Act of 1970, which recognized only process patents rather than product patents. This legislative change allowed Indian manufacturers to develop alternative, cost-effective processes to produce existing drugs without infringing on patents, triggering the rise of domestic giants such as Cipla, Ranbaxy, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Sun Pharma, and Lupin. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, strong expertise in synthetic chemistry, low production costs, and improved educational infrastructure helped India become a dominant force in the global generic drug market.
By the 2000s, India emerged as a preferred destination for high-quality, low-cost pharmaceuticals, supplying bulk drugs, generic formulations, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) across the world. With India’s entry into the WTO’s TRIPS agreement and the re-introduction of product patents in 2005, the pharmaceutical sector began shifting its focus toward innovation, biotechnology, and advanced research. Companies invested heavily in R&D, novel drug delivery systems, biosimilars, vaccines, and collaborative research with global firms. Today, India is widely recognized as the “Pharmacy of the World,” fulfilling over half of global vaccine requirements, exporting medicines to more than 200 countries, and hosting one of the highest numbers of USFDA-approved manufacturing facilities outside the United States. Continued advancements in biopharmaceuticals, clinical research, digital health technologies, and API self-reliance are further strengthening India’s position as a key contributor to global healthcare and one of the fastest-growing sectors of the Indian economy.
Major Milestones in Growth of the Pharmaceutical Industry
| Phase / Period | Key Industry Developments | Impact on Pharmaceutical Growth |
| Early 20th Century | India was heavily import-dependent; multinational companies dominated the market; essential medicines were expensive and inaccessible | Domestic production was minimal; India lacked self-sufficiency and affordable drug access |
| 1970 – A Major Turning Point | Introduction of the Indian Patents Act (1970) allowing process patents but not product patents | Enabled Indian companies to develop cheaper alternative processes for patented drugs, boosting affordability and initiating local manufacturing |
| Rise of Domestic Pharmaceutical Giants (1970s–1990s) | Growth of companies like Cipla, Ranbaxy, Dr. Reddy’s, Sun Pharma, Lupin | India strengthened its expertise in synthetic chemistry, scaled large-volume production, and gained a strong position in the global generics market |
| Expansion During the 1980s–1990s | Low-cost production, strong scientific base, and expanding pharmacy/chemistry education | India became a major global supplier of generic drugs and APIs, benefiting developing nations with low-cost medicines |
| 2000s – Global Recognition | India emerged as a major hub for high-quality, low-cost pharmaceuticals; major exporter of APIs and generic formulations | Became a preferred global destination for bulk drug supply; significant growth in export markets |
| 2005 – TRIPS Compliance | Re-introduction of product patents after joining the WTO–TRIPS agreement | Shift toward innovation, biotechnology, advanced R&D, and development of novel drug delivery systems |
| 2010s – Present | Expansion into biosimilars, vaccines, biologics, biotech research, and global collaborations | India recognized as the “Pharmacy of the World”, supplying >50% of global vaccine needs and exporting to over 200 countries |
| Current & Emerging Trends | Growth in clinical research, biopharmaceuticals, digital health, API self-reliance, and advanced manufacturing | Strengthening India’s global leadership in healthcare and cementing pharma as one of the fastest-growing sectors of the economy |
Establishment of pharmacy organizations and regulatory bodies in India
The establishment of pharmacy organizations and regulatory bodies in India created a strong institutional framework that shaped the profession, standardized education, and ensured safe drug practices. The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), established under the Pharmacy Act of 1948, acts as the apex body for regulating pharmacy education and professional practice. Its primary roles include setting curricula, approving pharmacy colleges, and registering qualified pharmacists. The PCI’s formation was initiated under the leadership of Sir Arcot Lakshmanaswami Mudaliar, who played a key role in the development of the Pharmacy Act and served as one of its early guiding figures. To ensure drug quality and standardization, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) was set up, with its origin tracing back to the publication of the first Indian Pharmacopoeia in 1955 under the chairmanship of Dr. B. N. Ghosh, who guided its initial development. IPC’s role includes publishing the Indian Pharmacopoeia, setting national drug standards, running pharmacovigilance programs, and ensuring the safety, strength, and purity of medicines across the country.
Professional advancement was strongly supported by the Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA), founded in 1939 by eminent leaders such as Professor M. L. Schroff, often referred to as the “Father of Pharmacy Education in India,” along with other pioneering pharmacists. IPA serves as the premier professional body representing pharmacists in academia, industry, hospital pharmacy, and community pharmacy. Its roles include providing training, publishing research, organizing scientific conferences, influencing policy, and promoting professional growth. For the pharmaceutical industry, the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) was established in 1961, with N. K. Patel among its early founders. IDMA represents Indian-owned drug manufacturers and works toward strengthening domestic manufacturing, promoting quality standards, advocating industry-friendly policies, and supporting research and innovation.
Several other bodies expanded regulatory oversight and academic governance. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), functioning under the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), was established to regulate drug approvals, oversee clinical trials, issue manufacturing licenses, enforce quality standards, and ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines. The founding structure of CDSCO and the office of DCGI traces back to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940, with Dr. B. Mukherjee being among the earliest Drug Controllers in India. In parallel, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), originally set up in 1945 and later given statutory authority in 1987, ensures quality and uniformity in technical and professional education, including pharmacy degree programs. Additionally, state pharmacy councils across India were formed to regulate the registration, licensure, and professional conduct of pharmacists at the regional level.
Together, these organizations and regulatory bodies form a strong, interconnected system that governs pharmacy education, ensures drug quality, promotes professional ethics, supports industrial growth, and strengthens public health—laying the foundation for the modern pharmacy profession in India.
Major Milestones and contribution in Establishment of pharmacy organizations and regulatory bodies in India
| Organization / Body | Year of Establishment / Legal Basis | Founding Figures / Key Contributors | Major Roles & Functions |
| Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) | Established under Pharmacy Act, 1948 | Initiated under the leadership of Sir Arcot Lakshmanaswami Mudaliar | Regulates pharmacy education; sets curricula; approves pharmacy colleges; maintains pharmacist registration; monitors professional standards |
| Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) | Origin linked to 1st Indian Pharmacopoeia (1955) | First IP developed under Dr. B. N. Ghosh (Chairman) | Publishes the Indian Pharmacopoeia; sets national drug standards; oversees pharmacovigilance programs; ensures safety, strength, and purity of medicines |
| Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) | Founded 1939 | Established by Prof. M. L. Schroff (“Father of Pharmacy Education in India”) and other pioneers | Represents pharmacists across academia, industry, hospital, and community sectors; organizes conferences; publishes research; provides training; influences policy; promotes professional development |
| Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) | Established 1961 | Early leadership included N. K. Patel | Represents Indian-owned pharma manufacturers; promotes domestic manufacturing; ensures quality standards; advocates industry-friendly policies; supports research and innovation |
| Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) & Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) | Created under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 | Early Drug Controllers included Dr. B. Mukherjee | Regulates drug approvals; oversees clinical trials; issues manufacturing licenses; enforces quality standards; monitors safety and efficacy of medicines |
| All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) | Formed 1945, statutory authority from 1987 | — | Regulates and maintains quality of technical and professional education, including pharmacy degree programs; ensures curriculum uniformity and institutional standards |
| State Pharmacy Councils | Established under Pharmacy Act, 1948 | — | Register pharmacists at the state level; regulate licensure; oversee professional conduct; enforce ethical practice |