National Pharmacy Week 2026 Celebrated at Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur

Rayat Bahra Professional University (RBPU), Hoshiarpur, through its University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (USPS), celebrated National Pharmacy Week 2026 with a series of educational, creative and awareness-oriented activities, highlighting the vital role of pharmacists in promoting public health and combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Organised under the guidance of Dr. Maninder Pal Singh, Director-Principal, University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, the celebrations were conducted around the theme, “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures – Swastha Bharat: Combating Antimicrobial Resistance.” The initiative aimed to enhance students’ scientific knowledge, professional skills and awareness of the responsible use of medicines.

The celebrations commenced with an auspicious lamp-lighting ceremony, followed by a Quiz Competition and a Scitoon-Making Competition. These activities encouraged students to demonstrate their pharmaceutical knowledge, creativity, teamwork and understanding of antimicrobial resistance.

On the second day, students participated in a Leaflet-Making Competition and a Poster Presentation. The activities provided a platform for communicating important messages about antimicrobial resistance, the rational use of medicines and the contribution of pharmacists to healthcare and disease prevention.

The third day featured a Reel-Making Competition, in which students used digital storytelling to highlight the dangers of antibiotic misuse, the importance of responsible antibiotic use and the role of pharmacists in promoting public health. The activity combined scientific learning with creativity and digital communication skills.

On the fourth day, USPS organised an Awareness Rally and a Nukkad Natak to spread awareness about antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial stewardship. Through the street play and rally, students highlighted the risks associated with self-medication, antibiotic misuse and inappropriate medicine use. The activities reinforced the importance of using antibiotics responsibly and seeking appropriate medical guidance.

The celebrations also marked World Pharmacist Day 2026, recognising the contributions of pharmacists to healthcare and patient well-being. The occasion featured a White Coat Ceremony, symbolising professionalism, responsibility and commitment to patient care, followed by a Pharmacist Oath Ceremony, during which students reaffirmed their dedication to ethical pharmaceutical practice. A Prize Distribution Ceremony was also organised to recognise students’ participation and achievements in the various Pharmacy Week activities.

The multi-day celebration provided students with opportunities to strengthen their scientific understanding, communication abilities, creativity and sense of professional responsibility. It also emphasised the importance of antimicrobial stewardship, rational medicine use and public awareness in addressing the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

Through such academic and community-oriented initiatives, Rayat Bahra Professional University, Hoshiarpur, continues to encourage future pharmacists to become responsible healthcare professionals and active contributors to a healthier society.

The programme concluded with a renewed commitment to empowering pharmacists, promoting responsible medicine use and supporting the vision of Swastha Bharat.