Lacunae in diploma pharmacy education in Nepal and its consequences on healthcare delivery

Abstract

Diploma in Pharmacy is a three year program (previously introduced as a year and six months in 1972 in Tribhuvan University) in Nepal to assure safe and effective use of medicines to general public. There has been a substantial increase in the diploma pharmacy colleges and at present producing about 1000 diplomas every year. Lack of well-trained faculty members and infrastructure, exposure, incorporation of practical education and high turnover of faculty members in the diploma in Pharmacy education program are the common lacunae observed in the country. Such lacunae have led to lack of information among diplomas and they are not available to do counseling, provide value added service and good quality pharmacy services with which they could gain professional respect and positive attitude from patients and be an important partner of healthcare system.