D.A.GUNDU
RAO, President of Karnataka
State Pharmacy Council, a statutory
body constituted under the Pharmacy
Act, 1948 is an alumni of Govt. College
of Pharmacy, Bangalore. Born on 12th
January 1950 is a multifaceted personality
with a lot of interest not only in professional
activities but in social activities
also. He has to his credit MA, (Economics),
L.Lb from Bangalore University and hold
Ayurveda Bhishak degree. He joined his
family business of Pharmaceutical Retail
by name United Medical Stores after
completion of his studies and later
expanded to start a Wholesale unit by
name Deshpande Drugs which is one of
reputed Pharma dealer since 1985.
The Drug Information
Centre started by the State Pharmacy Council
is his brainchild and is the first Council
in the entire country to venture this
project and it has today acclaimed international
recognition for its services and for providing
authenticated and unbiased information
on Drugs to men in medical profession,
practicing pharmacists, pharmacy Students,
and public at large.
He served as the
Secretary of Karnataka Chemists &
Druggists Association for over 18 years
and a member of the Executive Committee
since 1968. During his tenure the Association
spread its tentacles to the entire State
of Karnataka and brought the entire
trading community under one banner.
The entire country banked upon the State
for any guidance. He was instrumental
in starting and revitalizing the few
existing District Chemists and Associations
in Karnataka and he is proud that many
have celebrated the Silver jubilee.
As a member of the
Drug Advisory board, Govt. of Karnataka,
he brought to light many impending problems
and the solutions were identified. The
abolition of Octroi and turnover tax on
medicines, Spirituous Medicinal Licenses
abolition is few to quote.
The Karnataka Registered
Pharmacists Welfare Trust under the
aegis of State Pharmacy Council was
constituted under his leadership and
as all today more than 50 families is
benefited with death compensation to
the wards of Pharmacists. This initiative
has inspired other State Councils to
adopt the system.
As the Secretary
of Indian Pharmaceutical Association,
Karnataka Branch, was responsible to increase
the membership from a meager 125 to 700
during his tenure. He contributed to the
welfare of the profession as the Vice
President of IPA HQ and Chairman of Community
Pharmacy Division.
He has been the Editor
of Co-Ph arm a News Bulletin for the past
34 years spreading the essence of professionalism
among the Pharmacists of this State.
Contributions :
Contributed number
of articles both in English & Kannada
language for publications in Magazines
and Newspapers.
Participated in number
of workshops / seminars on Community Pharmacy,
offered Guest Lectures in various Pharmacy
Colleges on Drug Laws and Community Pharmacy.
As a Resource Person
in many QIP programmes
Regular speaker on
All India Radio and many TV Channels
Conducted more than
250 Extension Lectures in High Schools
and Colleges to popularize profession
of Pharmacy.
Rendered more than
500 lectures / interaction with consumer
Organizations on the role of Pharmacist
in the Health Care system as part of
Public Education on Pharmacy.
Awards and Accolades :
Recipient of many
awards including IPER (Outstanding Performance
Award 1998-99), DIWA Award (2002) and
FELLOW OF INDIAN PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION
Dream :
Every effort should
build the profession of Pharmacy In
our Country
Contributions :
