Kejalhuto Punyü
Managing Director, Hiekha+NagaNext Education Service
Every year, thousands of students across Nagaland prepare for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) with one dream—to secure an MBBS seat. For many families, MBBS has become the only acceptable definition of success in healthcare. Those who miss out often consider BDS as their next option, while many others spend another year preparing, hoping for a better result.
There is no doubt that becoming a doctor is a noble aspiration. However, the reality is that government MBBS seats are extremely limited, and private medical colleges often charge fees that are beyond the reach of ordinary families. As a result, many talented students lose valuable years, face financial hardship, and experience unnecessary emotional stress.
It is time for students, parents, educators, and policymakers in Nagaland to broaden their perspective on healthcare careers. One of the most promising yet overlooked professional courses is Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D).
What is Pharm.D?
Pharm.D (Doctor of Pharmacy) is a six-year professional doctoral programme, including internship, designed to prepare students as clinical pharmacists. Unlike traditional pharmacy programmes, Pharm.D graduates are trained to work directly with doctors and patients in hospitals, ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines.
Clinical pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare by monitoring medication safety and effectiveness, preventing drug-related complications, counselling patients on proper medicine use, supporting doctors in selecting appropriate drug therapies, and improving patient outcomes through evidence-based pharmaceutical care.
The degree is internationally recognised and offers excellent opportunities in hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, clinical research, academics, regulatory organisations, and healthcare management.
The Situation in Nagaland
Recent reports by the Nagaland Pharmacy Association have highlighted a serious shortage of qualified pharmacists in the state. Nagaland currently has over 1,157 licensed pharmacies, yet only around 278 registered pharmacists are available to serve them. Most of these professionals hold diploma qualifications, while Pharm.D graduates remain extremely rare.
Another concern is that Nagaland continues to be the only state in India without a pharmacy institute, forcing interested students to pursue their education outside the state.
This gap between demand and supply presents a significant opportunity for Naga students who are willing to explore careers beyond conventional choices.
Why Students Should Consider Pharm.D
• Affordable Education compared with private MBBS or BDS.
• Excellent employment prospects in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research laboratories, regulatory authorities, and healthcare institutions.
• Meaningful contribution to society through improved patient safety.
• Higher education opportunities including postgraduate studies, research, MBA (Pharma), fellowships, and specialised clinical training.
• Global career opportunities after meeting licensing requirements.
A Changing Healthcare Landscape
Modern healthcare depends on teamwork. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, laboratory professionals, and other specialists work together to deliver quality patient care. Clinical pharmacists have become an indispensable part of this multidisciplinary healthcare system.
A Message to Parents and Students
Parents naturally want the best for their children. However, success should not be measured only by an MBBS seat. Healthcare today offers many respected professions that provide meaningful careers, financial stability, and opportunities to serve society.
Students should choose careers based on their interests, strengths, and future opportunities—not solely on public perception.
Pharm.D is not an alternative for those who failed to enter MBBS. It is an independent, respected, and highly specialised healthcare profession with growing importance in India's healthcare system.
Looking Ahead
Nagaland needs more healthcare professionals in every discipline. As our healthcare system expands, the demand for qualified pharmacists will only increase. Creating greater awareness about Pharm.D can help students make informed career choices while also addressing an important workforce shortage in our state.
The future belongs to students who are willing to explore emerging opportunities. By embracing diverse healthcare careers such as Pharm.D, Nagaland can build a stronger healthcare system while empowering its youth with rewarding and sustainable professions.
Let us encourage our students to dream beyond a single pathway. Sometimes the right career is not the most popular one—it is the one that best matches both the needs of society and the potential of the individual.
