Tuesday, 31st March 2026

The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences (FPS) at Riphah International University has successfully launched a first-of-its-kind structured Community Pharmacy Training Program in Pakistan for 5th semester students, marking a significant advancement in experiential learning and professional training within pharmacy education.

This pioneering initiative was designed to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world pharmaceutical practice. Students were placed in diverse community pharmacy settings, where they actively engaged in medication dispensing, patient counseling, and routine pharmacy operations, gaining valuable hands-on experience. This immersive approach significantly enhanced students’ professional competence, confidence, and industry readiness.

A distinguishing feature of the program is its structured and closely monitored execution. Faculty members conducted regular follow-ups and on-site visits to ensure student engagement, punctuality, and effective learning outcomes. This rigorous oversight transformed the training into a highly accountable and outcome-driven educational experience, setting a new standard for pharmacy training in Pakistan.

An important innovation within the program was the introduction of a comprehensive training logbook, developed by Nida Sohail, enabling systematic documentation of daily activities, practical learning, and performance evaluation. The successful execution of the initiative was further supported by the dedicated coordination of Wali Ullah Shahid, ensuring smooth implementation and effective student placement.

The program received strong endorsement from the external examiner, who recognized it as a transformative model for practical training in pharmacy education. Under the leadership of Dr. Fareeha Anwar, Head of Department, Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (RIPS), Gulberg Campus, the initiative reflects the University’s commitment to academic innovation and professional excellence.

This landmark program not only strengthens students’ technical skills, communication abilities, and ethical awareness, but also establishes a new national benchmark for structured experiential learning in pharmacy education.