School of Pharmaceutical Sciences will boost research, entrepreneurship: Hek
GUWAHATI: The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) has repaid the entire course fee of over Rs 50 lakh to 58 NET/ SLET/GATE-qualified students under the ‘Pay Back Policy’ of the university.
USTM has also set up a School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (SOPS) from this year after receiving recognition from the Pharmacy Council of India.
The pharmacy school was formally inaugurated by Meghalaya health and family welfare minister Alexander Laloo Hek on Friday.
“The launch of the B.Pharma course at USTM will not only help general students and especially those from Meghalaya, but will also encourage entrepreneurship in the region because one must be qualified to open a pharmacy,” Hek, in his address during the orientation programme as the chief guest, said.
Urging universities to work for societal development, the minister said, “I am impressed with the Pay Back Policy of USTM which is very unique. I congratulate USTM for displaying such an exemplary gesture by returning the entire course fee to the successful students. This is not only an eye opener, but also a heart opener.”
More than 2,000 students were admitted to USTM this year.
Hek also handed over the rewards to the achiever students.
Padma Shri Dr Ilias Ali, a retired surgeon of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, also lauded the initiative of USTM in opening SOPS and stated that the emphasis on research and development in the field of drug discovery would go a long way to serve humanity.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Mahbubul Hoque, the chancellor of USTM said, “We are following the footsteps of world-class institutions as well as institutes of excellence in our country. We are committed to our assurance that no brilliant student should be deprived of pursuing higher education only because of his or her financial incapability.”
Regarding opening of SOPS, he said efforts would be on to also work intensively in the field of drug discovery and prepare the next generation of pharmacists for the new demands and opportunities of a rapidly-evolving profession.
The School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at USTM will open its doors to M.Pharma and Ph.D from the next year.
Addressing the orientation programme, Dr Tiewlasubon Uriah Kharbyngar, principal of SOPS said, “As the first pharmaceutical college of Meghalaya, this college at USTM has actually fulfilled a long cherished dream of the people of the state. I thank our chancellor for his visionary initiative and hope that in the coming years our students will show excellent performance in their academics as well as in research and development related to medicine.”