One question that often comes to mind before pursuing a career in pharmacy is: Is pharmacy better in India or abroad?
The global healthcare system underwent a massive transformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and pharmacists played a critical role in this shift. Pharmacists are often described as the most accessible healthcare professionals due to the high number of people who rely on them daily. Despite this, pharmacists are still commonly perceived as professionals who 'dispense medicines'.
Recent research suggests that pharmacists worldwide face a professional identity challenge, and this identity varies significantly between India and other countries. Understanding these differences is crucial before making a career decision.
Understanding the global pharmacy workforce requires looking at pharmaceutical personnel density. It is commonly measured as the number of pharmaceutical professionals per 10,000 population.
Globally, the density of pharmaceutical personnel stood at 4.8 per 10,000 population in 2022, as per WHO.
India has shown a notable long-term improvement in pharmaceutical personnel density. The density increased from 2 per 10,000 population in 1991 to 8.6 per 10,000 population by 2020, reflecting an improvement of 6.6 pharmaceutical personnel per 10,000 population over three decades.
In the United States, pharmaceutical personnel density has also improved. It increased from 8.1 per 10,000 population in 1999 to 11.1 per 10,000 population in 2022, marking an improvement of 3 per 10,000 population.
According to a WHO report, there is no internationally established minimum recommended pharmacist-to-population ratio. Many countries develop their own benchmarks based on:
Population health needs
Demand for pharmaceutical services
Healthcare system structure
Insights shared on MedBound Hub by Varun Kumar C. J. (M. Pharm in Pharmacology, Bangalore) highlight important contrasts between Indian and international pharmacy education models.
In many countries, pharmacists are trained to degree or doctorate standards, followed by mandatory pre-registration or residency training. These programs place strong emphasis on:
Pharmaceutical sciences
Clinical and administrative pharmacy
Social and forensic pharmacy
Patient-centered care and decision-making
In India, aspiring pharmacists typically complete a Diploma in Pharmacy (D. Pharm) or Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharm), followed by registration with the State Pharmacy Council. While postgraduate degrees such as M. Pharm improve expertise and open doors to specialized roles, they are not mandatory for basic pharmacy practice. Students can also opt for a 6 year Pharm. D degree in India.
This structure allows quicker entry into the workforce but often limits clinical exposure and professional autonomy.
In the United States, pharmacists must complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. This is followed by structured pre-registration training, commonly known as a residency program, which usually lasts one year. These programs provide intensive training across all aspects of pharmacy practice, particularly clinical care.
There remain substantial differences in the education and training of pharmacists within the European Union. In the Netherlands, for example, it takes six years to qualify as a pharmacist. There is no formal pre-registration year; instead, there is a six-month period of practical experience undertaken during the final year of pharmacy school.
The European pharmacy education structure includes:
First two years: Strong emphasis on basic and pharmaceutical sciences
Last two years: include Practical skills
Interim examination after four years: Leads to a master's degree award
Six-year program completion: Pharmacist diploma (similar to US PharmD, opted by most)
Once qualified, community pharmacists can legally be in charge, although in practice most complete at least two years as an assistant pharmacist first. However, Dutch pharmacists must complete at least three years of on-the-job training before being in charge of a hospital pharmacy.
The licensing process in India is relatively straightforward. After completing the required qualification, graduates can register with their State Pharmacy Council and begin practicing immediately.
Practicing pharmacy abroad involves a far more rigorous licensing pathway. Countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Gulf nations typically require pharmacists to:
Clear national licensing examinations
Complete bridging or adaptation programs
Demonstrate language proficiency through exams such as IELTS or TOEFL
Although these processes are time-consuming and expensive, they are designed to ensure high professional standards and patient safety.
In India, entry-level pharmacists particularly in retail and hospital settings often earn modest salaries. Financial growth is usually gradual and depends on:
Years of experience
Area of specialization
Transition into fields such as pharmacovigilance, regulatory affairs, clinical research, or quality assurance
Internationally, pharmacists are among the better-paid healthcare professionals. Key advantages include:
Higher wages
Structured pay scales
Comprehensive employee benefits
Faster financial stability and improved savings potential
These financial incentives are a major reason many Indian pharmacists consider overseas opportunities.
The work environment for pharmacists in India can be demanding. Common challenges include:
Long working hours
Limited clinical involvement, particularly in retail pharmacies
Slow integration of clinical pharmacy roles
In developed healthcare systems, pharmacists play an active role in patient care. Their responsibilities often include:
Clinical decision-making
Medication therapy management
Patient counselling
Working closely with interdisciplinary healthcare teams
Clear legal frameworks define responsibilities, ensuring professional respect and accountability.
Work-life balance remains a challenge for many pharmacists in India, especially in community and hospital settings. Staffing shortages, long shifts, and limited leave policies often impact personal well-being.
Pharmacists working abroad generally benefit from:
Regulated working hours
Paid annual leave
Health insurance and retirement benefits
Higher job satisfaction and better overall quality of life
While pharmacists in India are respected as healthcare professionals, they often receive less recognition compared to doctors and nurses. Their evolving clinical role is still not fully acknowledged by the public.
In many countries, pharmacists are regarded as essential healthcare providers. They enjoy:
Strong professional autonomy
High levels of trust
Recognition as medication experts
Ketan Laxman Sonawane, M. Pharm (QA), offers a note of caution:
“One of my friends recently completed her master’s degree from Coventry University, England, and is now searching for a job. She feels that the job situation is not very different from India and has started applying here as well. Students should carefully assess risks before pursuing pharmacy education abroad.”
Dr. Kriti Upadhyay, MBBS, adds:
"In India, pharmacists often work on commission in private setups, while government positions offer better structure. Unfortunately, the quality of pharmacy practice has been compromised in some areas due to poor enforcement of regulations and the circulation of counterfeit medicines."
The question of whether pharmacy is better in India or abroad has no single answer. It depends on individual priorities such as career goals, financial expectations, work-life balance, and the desire for professional recognition.
While international careers offer better compensation, structured roles, and stronger clinical integration, they also involve high costs, strict licensing requirements, and uncertain job markets. India, on the other hand, offers easier entry into the profession but limited growth and recognition in many sectors.
Reference:
1. Ahmer Raza M, Aziz S, Noreen M, Anjum I, Raza SM. A Portrait of the Pharmacy Profession Globally: Pharmacist Universal Professional Identity and Establishment of Global Pharmacy Council. Innov Pharm. 2022;13(1):10.24926/iip.v13i1.4502. Published 2022 Apr 2. doi:10.24926/iip.v13i1.4502
2. World Health Organization. 2025. Density of Pharmaceutical Personnel (per 10,000 Population). WHO Global Health Observatory. https://www.who.int/data/gho/indicator-metadata-registry/imr-details/4577.
For more such interesting content visit MedBound Hub.
