Pharmacy Students Gain Practical Insights During Field Visit to Sonapur Drug House

As part of their academic curriculum, students of the Diploma in Pharmacy (2nd Year) from Assam Don Bosco University undertook a field visit to Sonapur Drug House on May 13, 2025. The educational trip aimed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world pharmacy practice by offering students firsthand exposure to the daily operations of a functional pharmaceutical retail outlet. Upon arrival, the students were warmly welcomed by Mr. Dipankar Vedant, proprietor of Sonapur Drug House. His gracious hospitality set a positive tone for the visit. Following a brief introduction, the students were guided by the registered pharmacist in charge, who conducted a comprehensive orientation session covering the key elements of community pharmacy operations.

The session included a detailed explanation of the functions of a retail pharmacy, including the receipt and verification of medical consignments, inventory management, and the safe and legal distribution of medicines. Students were introduced to the First Expiry First Out (FEFO) method—a crucial stock rotation practice used to minimize medicine wastage. The pharmacist also demonstrated the proper storage and categorisation of medicines, with special emphasis on the handling of temperature-sensitive drugs stored in cold chain units. Students learned how drugs are arranged by therapeutic class to ensure both accessibility and safety.

A highlight of the visit was the walkthrough of pharmacy documentation procedures. Students were shown essential registers such as the Purchase Register, Sales Register, Schedule H and X Drug Register, and Expiry and Damage Register. The pharmacist stressed the importance of recording batch numbers, manufacturing and expiry dates, and supplier details for each product. In addition, the session covered the licensing requirements necessary for operating a pharmacy in India, including the Retail Drug License, Wholesale Drug License, and Schedule X License, along with their renewal protocols under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Both manual and computerised systems used for maintaining drug records were demonstrated, emphasising the role of accurate recordkeeping in ensuring regulatory compliance and public safety.

The educational experience was further enriched through a Q&A session, where students actively engaged with the pharmacist, clarifying doubts and deepening their understanding of pharmacy practices. The pharmacist’s informative responses helped connect academic learning with real-world application. The visit concluded with a group photo session featuring the students, faculty members, and the pharmacy staff, capturing the moment as a token of gratitude and shared learning. This insightful field visit to Sonapur Drug House has left a lasting impression on the students, equipping them with essential knowledge and practical skills that will serve as a strong foundation for their future roles in the pharmaceutical sector.