National Pharmacy Week (NPW) was celebrated at Amrita School of Pharmacy from 19^th to 26^th November 2018. As instructed by Indian Pharmacy Association, the theme of this year was “Pharmacists for a Healthy India.” The celebrations began with the welcome address by Ms. Roshni P. R., Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Amrita School of Pharmacy.

It was followed by the official inauguration of National Pharmacy Week celebrations and speech by chief guest Mr. Saju John, Asst. Drug Controller, Central Zone, Ernakulum. In his address, he highlighted the role of Drug Regulatory Authorities in enforcing the laws related to pharmacy profession in Kerala. Next, the guest of honour, Dr. Priya K., Head, Clinical Pharmacy, Aster Medicity, Ernakulam, took the podium and gave a speech on ‘’The roles and responsibilities of a clinical pharmacist in the current scenario.’’

In the post-lunch session, Pharm. D. 2^nd year students performed a street play on the theme “Rational Drug Use”. The inaugural day concluded with the vote of thanks by Pharm. D. 5^th year student Ms. Adarsha Sugunan.

The following activities were organized during NPW celebrations 2018:

• Patient counselling sessions were conducted at Amrita peripheral centres at Njarakkal and Kaloor 20^th-22^nd November. 2018. Pharm. D. 5^th year students, Pharm. D. interns and M. Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice) students, along with the faculty of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, conducted the sessions. A total of 201 patients were counselled in the event.
• Home-to-home counselling was conducted at Varapuzha area on 23^rd-24^th November 2018. Pharm. D. 5^th year students, Pharm. D. interns and M. Pharm. (Pharmacy Practice) students, along with the faculty members of the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Department of Pharmacology, conducted the sessions. A total of 117 houses were covered in two days and the event became a success with the local people.
• Street plays were performed by Pharm. D. II year and Pharm. D. fifth year students on 20^th November at Changampuzha Samskarika Kendram on the topic “Rational Drug Use” in the senior citizen’s forum.

On 24^th November, another street play on “Diabetes and Family” was performed in the atrium and B block of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences. The performances were well-liked by the general public.

The closing ceremony of National Pharmacy Week celebration was held on 26^th November 2018, at the seminar hall of Amrita School of Pharmacy. The event started on an auspicious note with a prayer, followed by the welcome address by the Principal, Dr. M. Sabitha. The welcome address was followed by lamp lighting and the inaugural address by Mr. Satheesan T., Vice President, Kerala State Pharmacy Council. In his speech, he highlighted the role of pharmacy professionals in the current world and enlightened the young professionals about the importance of unity in the profession, irrespective of the difference in academic degrees.

The next session was handled by Dr. Surulivel Rajan M., Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences. His topic was “Opportunities and Challenges for Clinical Pharmacists” and his speech was followed by a session on Cyber Security by Mr. Binoy Joseph, Senior Civil Police Officer, Cyber Crime Investigation Cell, Kochi City Police. Certificates were distributed to the street play performers and this was followed by a vote of thanks by Ms. Asha Asokan Manakadan, Lecturer, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Amrita School of Pharmacy. The week-long celebrations were concluded with a recital of the National Anthem.