Developments in the pharmaceutical industry in Malta have led to an increase in the number of projects prepared by fifth-year pharmacy students in this area, the pharmacy symposium organised by the department of pharmacy heard.

What this meant was that the curriculum for the undergraduate course of pharmacy has evolved in the last five years to include substantial preparation for graduates to take up positions in the evolving pharmaceutical industry.

Of particular interest this year is the report by the M.Sc. students following a newly-developed course which includes aspects that are required for today’s and tomorrow’s practice. These aspects include the practice of pharmacy in industry.

The subject of financing the ever-increasing cost of medicines is considered through studies in pharmaco-economics. The opening of the Mater Dei Hospital should also provide ample space for the development of clinical pharmacy, which is another area of specialisation in the new M.Sc. course.

Education Minister Louis Galea attended part of the symposium and followed some of the presentations given by students. He said the department of pharmacy had not missed the opportunities provided by membership in the European Union. “The course structure enables students willing to take up an Erasmus exchange for one semester in a school of pharmacy in a European university. The department has developed links with universities in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, Germany, Portugal and Poland.

“The department is also participating in EU projects and is forming part of a consortium developing a European Masters Degree in Pharmacy,” he added.

The four pharmacists, academic members of staff, involved in these developments are Prof. Anthony Serracino-Inglott, Dr Maurice Zarb-Adami, Prof. Lilian M. Azzopardi and Claire Shoemake.