National Seminar on CGMP Awareness Held at NM Padaliya Pharmacy College

A national seminar titled "Academia-Industry Synergy: Advancing Quality through CGMP Awareness" was organized at NM Padaliya Pharmacy College in Changodar, Ahmedabad, under the leadership of Managing Trustee Maganbhai Patel. This event was supported by the Global Agrobiotech and Pharma Research Foundation, founded by Patel, along with the Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India, which boasts over 15,000 lifetime members, and the Gujarat State Pharmacy Council.

The seminar was inaugurated by Maganbhai Patel alongside other distinguished guests, including Dr. Krishnakant Patel, Managing Director of Zion Group of Industries, as the chief guest; Deepak Agarwal, CEO of Cubit Life Sciences, as a special guest; Mahendra Joshi, Senior Manager at Intas Pharmaceuticals, as the keynote speaker; and Ramakant Gupta, Managing Director of Kronzex Remedies. The college principal, Dr. Jitendra Bhangale, and organizing secretary Dr. Suraj Chauhan were also present, along with Dr. Nusrat Sheikh. Approximately 170 students participated in this seminar, aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and industry while raising awareness about Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP).

During the inaugural session, Maganbhai Patel delivered an inspiring speech emphasizing that integrity, discipline, and a steadfast commitment to quality are the cornerstones of a successful career in pharmacy. He highlighted the importance of awareness regarding medications, pharmacy production, and communication between doctors and consumers, ensuring that the right medications are available at fair prices. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiative to establish Jan Aushadhi Kendras for the sale of generic medicines, making them accessible to even the most marginalized individuals. However, he pointed out that many medical stores still lack qualified pharmacists, leading to the sale of medications by unqualified individuals, which raises concerns about patient safety.

Despite being a crucial component of India's healthcare system, generic medicines face numerous challenges, including the entry of substandard or counterfeit drugs into the market, posing risks to patient health. Establishing a robust and efficient distribution network is vital to ensure the availability of generic medicines across the country. There is often a perception among patients and pharmacists that generic drugs are of lower quality compared to branded ones, which can deter their use. Some branded manufacturers employ tactics to extend their patent protections and delay the entry of generics into the market, creating barriers to affordable options. However, intense competition among generic manufacturers helps drive down prices.

In conclusion, Patel stated that the essence of the CGMP seminar lies not only in compliance with regulations but also in fostering a culture of ethics, responsibility, and continuous improvement within every individual and organization. Recognizing the pharmaceutical industry's role in shaping the future while adhering to ethical principles and scientific rigor is crucial. Maintaining quality is not just a professional obligation but a moral duty to society and the nation. When discipline and dedication combine with integrity and innovation, lasting success and public trust are achieved. He congratulated everyone on the CGMP seminar and commended the efforts of Prime Minister Modi and his team in elevating India's pharmaceutical sector on the global stage.

Dr. Krishnakant Patel, the chief guest, delivered a talk on "Quality is not an act, it’s a habit: Learning the culture of CGMP," emphasizing the importance of quality and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. He discussed the significance of implementing good manufacturing practices at every stage of production, from raw materials to packaging and distribution. He also shared insights on the '5D' concept: Discipline, Dedication, Determination, Devotion, and Direction, stressing that discipline is the foundation of all achievements.

Deepak Agarwal, the keynote speaker, elaborated on "Good Manufacturing Practices - The Heartbeat of Quality Medicines," discussing the importance of CGMP compliance and its future contributions. He emphasized that CGMP is not merely a set of regulatory obligations but a comprehensive quality culture that fosters innovation, integrity, and continuous improvement in the pharmaceutical industry. He highlighted the role of modern technologies such as automation, process analytical technology, artificial intelligence, and digital data management systems in transforming drug manufacturing.

Mahendra Joshi also spoke about the practical aspects of implementing CGMP in manufacturing environments, emphasizing that compliance is not just a regulatory requirement but a professional responsibility that reflects a company's ethical commitment to patient safety and product excellence. He encouraged young professionals and students to develop scientific thinking and focus on continuous improvement.

Dr. Jitendra Bhangale, the college principal, shared his thoughts on CGMP Day and provided insights into the college's activities, guiding guests through the college's modern laboratories and facilities.

To encourage student participation, an "oral presentation" competition was also held, with over 20 students competing. The top performers were awarded prizes, with Shweta Tiwari securing first place, Drishti Patel second, and Yash Khalane third. The seminar concluded with a vote of thanks from organizing secretary Dr. Suraj Chauhan and the national anthem.