2026-09-05

As India’s pharmaceutical sector continues to attract global investment, the role of pharmacy education has never been more important. Dr. Abha Doshi, Principal, MET IOP, speaks exclusively with Pharma Industrial India, on how MET Institute of Pharmacy is addressing the gap and developing industry experts with Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and industry-aligned academic structure.

Q. India is rapidly emerging as a global hub for Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs). What factors do you think are driving multinational companies to choose India over other manufacturing destinations?

Dr. Abha Doshi: India is a country where labor is relatively affordable compared to developed countries with ample skilled scientific workforce. Further, we have a large number of internationally-approved manufacturing facilities thus offering high-quality production facilities and strong regulatory compliance. Our competitive advantages include expertise in Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), generic medicines, formulation development and advanced manufacturing technologies. In addition, favorable government policies are encouraging the multinationals to invest. Thus, India is gradually growing to be the global hub of CDMOs due to cost-effectiveness, expert work force and regulatory compliance- all of which are accomplished in a time-efficient manner.

Q. How do you see digital transformation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, data analytics and digital health, reshaping the role of pharmacists and the pharmaceutical industry in the coming years?

Dr. Abha Doshi: Digital transformation is reshaping the role of pharmacists in all facets of healthcare. The pharmaceutical industry is embracing digital transformation across the product lifecycle. The role of AI in various stages of the drug discovery process reduces development time and cost. Smart manufacturing improves productivity and product quality and there is a transparency in supply chain which helps combat counterfeit medicines.

Those pharmacists who use AI ethically along with automation, data analytics and digital health can become integral contributors to precision medicine, preventive healthcare and patient-centered care.

Q. What are the key education and skill gaps that the pharmaceutical industry is currently facing, and where do you see the biggest challenges in developing future-ready talent? How is MET Institute of Pharmacy addressing the gap?

Dr. Abha Doshi: The key education and skill gaps we currently observe include limited exposure to newer technologies, AI, data analytics, digital health and automation technologies. The students have insufficient hands-on industrial experience with advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing and quality systems. There is a gap in interdisciplinary learning and deficiencies in critical thinking, innovation, entrepreneurship and problem-solving skills.

At MET Institute of Pharmacy (IOP), we recognise that bridging these gaps requires a holistic approach.

The institute adopts a comprehensive approach to academic and professional development by offering Faculty Development Programs (FDPs) and expert sessions on AI, digital health and emerging pharmaceutical technologies. It regularly conducts hands-on workshops for both faculty and students covering AI tools, research methodology, innovation, Intellectual Property (IP) rights and entrepreneurship.

Through its Industry-Institute Partnership Cell, the institute collaborates closely with industry to provide internships, industrial visits, live projects and interactions with experienced professionals, ensuring strong industry exposure. Alumni engagement further supports students by offering guidance on higher education pathways, career planning and selecting suitable industry sectors and functional domains.

The institute also promotes a strong research culture, encouraging students to participate in scientific competitions, publish research papers, file patents and compete in national innovation and research initiatives. In addition, it places significant emphasis on developing soft skills, leadership qualities, professional ethics and overall personality development to prepare well-rounded healthcare professionals. The integration of simulation-based learning, digital resources and technology-enabled teaching methodologies further enhances practical understanding and creates an engaging, future-ready learning environment.

At MET, we strongly believe that future-ready pharmacists should not only be scientifically competent, but also digitally empowered, ethically grounded, innovative and socially responsible.

Q. Which therapeutic areas or research domains do you believe deserve greater academic attention over the next 5 years?

Dr. Abha Doshi: Over the next 5 years, pharmacy education and research should focus on areas that address emerging healthcare challenges while embracing technological advancements. The integration of AI, digital health and data analytics will accelerate drug discovery, improve patient care and strengthen pharmacovigilance. In the Indian context, evidence-based research on Ayurveda and traditional medicine combined with genomics also holds significant promise. Our focus should be on personalised and precision medicine, targeted drug delivery, application of 3D-printing in pharmacy, combating antimicrobial resistance, lifestyle disorders and mental health disorders. Equally important are novel drug delivery systems, including nanomedicine, biologics, gene and cell therapies and Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)-based therapeutics.

Q. How has the pharmaceutical industry evolved over the past decade, particularly in terms of innovation, manufacturing and regulatory standards?

Dr. Abha Doshi: The pharmaceutical industry has evolved significantly over the past decade, driven by innovation, digital technologies and changing healthcare needs.

There is a radical change in treatment options from conventional therapeutics to precision medicine, biologics, gene and cell therapies. AI-enabled drug discovery is reducing the time and cost of drug development and is making treatments more targeted and patient-centric. Smart manufacturing through automation, continuous manufacturing, Industry 4.0 and Quality by Design (QbD) helps enhance efficiency, quality and sustainability.

At the same time, regulatory standards have become more stringent and globally harmonised. There is a strong focus on data integrity, patient safety, quality and compliance. India is becoming the ‘global pharmacy’ of the world.

Q. How are partnerships among academia, pharmaceutical companies and research organisations accelerating drug discovery and commercialisation?

Dr. Abha Doshi: Partnerships among academia, pharmaceutical companies and research organisations play a vital role in accelerating drug discovery and commercialisation. Academia is involved in innovation at the root level and generates skilled talent, while industry contributes by funding the academic projects and helps in technology-transfer and regulatory support. Together, they enable faster translation of researchinto safe and effective therapies.

At MET Institute of Pharmacy, we actively promote industry collaborations, joint research, internships and innovation-driven initiatives. These partnerships bridge the gap between academic learning and industrial practice. Through this Industry-Institute partnership, we prepare students for the evolving pharmaceutical industry while contributing to better health care outcomes.

Q. What advice would you give to pharmacy students aspiring to build careers in research, innovation and global pharmaceutical leadership?

Dr. Abha Doshi: My advice to pharmacy students is to build a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences while embracing lifelong learning, research and emerging technologies like AI. Be curious, think innovatively, and seek practical experience through internships, research projects and industry collaborations.

Along with technical knowledge, they must develop communication, leadership, teamwork and ethical values. The future belongs to pharmacists who combine scientific excellence with innovation and a commitment to improving patient care. Students should stay adaptable, keep learning and strive to make a positive impact on health care and society.