Open University launches Bachelor of Pharmacy degree

By Shabiya Ali Ahlam

The Bachelor of Pharmacy degree offered by the Open University of Sri Lanka for experienced pharmacists is all set to takeoff in May 2013 after a lengthy delay in the launch of the study program.

Initiated by the Association of Community Pharmacists, a degree program of this nature for experienced pharmacists is the first of its kind to be made available in Sri Lanka. The request was made to the Open University as early as 2005, Association of Community Pharmacist President G.G. Rathnasiri told the Daily FT, adding that many obstacles were faced when trying to make this initiative a reality.

Noting that many pharmacists are in the field with only a certificate recognition offered by the Colombo Medical Collage Council, Rathnasiri said that the need for such study programs was evident, especially for those who previously failed to obtain a degree in pharmacy but are keen to progress further in the field.

When the request was rejected by the Open University the first time, the association knocked on the doors of Minister S.B. Dissanayake for support and while he refused to speak to the University, unwilling to negotiate, he offered help to establish a diploma course in the subject area instead of a degree.

“After meeting the minister, we were willing to settle for a diploma program but our association thought it would be best if we voiced our concerns to the President’s office,” he said.

Doing so in 2011, the University Grants Commission refused to give approval but a final request to the President’s Office brought about the long-awaited green light to go ahead with the degree program in November 2012.

Delighted that their patience and hard work had finally paid off, Rathnasiri said that the three year program is finally set to takeoff in May during which the first batch of 50 students will be enrolled and a total fee of Rs. 150,000 would be charged.

To be eligible for the degree, one requires a credit pass in Chemistry in their Advanced Levels with passes in other subjects and two years of work experience in the field of pharmacy. Applications for the degree will be available at the Open University from 17 March 2013.