October 2, 2025

Bengaluru turned into a buzzing hub of ideas on World Pharmacists' Day as experts highlighted a spicy new recipe for Indian pharmacists: mix your skills with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cook up a future-proof career! At an event hosted by Karnataka Food and Drug Administration, pros said AI will help pharmacists, not replace them. Dr Indu Shankar, who has trained many pharmacists around India, gave sure-fire advice: "When patients come to a neighbourhood pharmacy, they look for the assurance that the pharmacist provides them. The pharmacist reassures the patients that the medicines they are buying will make them healthier. This is why technology can never put pharmacists out of jobs. It is here to assist them." Fancy machines are already handling tasks like dispensing drugs and checking patient history in rich countries. But Dr Shankar says Indian pharmacists have a long way to go to be medicine experts. They aren't just medicine sellers; they can be trusted consultants! "In developed countries, community pharmacists are considered medicine experts. Even doctors sit down once a week with pharmacists to understand drug–drug interactions. Currently, our pharmacists are not on that level, and that is where we need to reach," he said. The future is bright for pharmacists who embrace AI. They can become digital health gurus and clinical consultants, helping people prevent illness and promoting public health. Experts also sounded a warning bell on patient counselling. Dr Vithya T, head of Al Ameen College of Pharmacy, said that pharmacists must take five minutes to explain drug interactions and side effects to patients. She pointed out a heart-wrenching story where a 33-year-old woman died of kidney failure after taking antibiotics nonstop for three months. "Always check the dates on the prescription while refilling. Pharmacists play a key role in the antibiotic stewardship programme," she advised. Why is this so important? Because adverse drug reactions are the fifth leading cause of death in India. Pharmacists can save lives not only by careful dispensing but also by reporting these reactions to the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI). So, dear community pharmacists, it's time to hop on the AI bandwagon and become heroes in patient care. With tech by your side and counseling at heart, the friendly neighbourhood pharmacist will never lose their magic touch!

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Tags: Pharmacists, Artificial intelligence, Community pharmacy, Drug safety, Patient counselling, Antimicrobial resistance,