Department of Pharmacology
At the University of Health and Allied Sciences, pharmacology-related courses for the School of Medicine are delivered by the Department of Pharmacology within the School of Pharmacy. As an essential pillar of medical education, the department provides students with a deep understanding of the principles of pharmacology, covering the mechanisms of drug action, therapeutic uses, potential adverse effects, and the intricate dynamics of drug–drug and drug–disease interactions.
Beyond delivering high-quality instruction, the department plays a critical role in preparing future healthcare professionals to apply pharmacological knowledge in safe, effective, and evidence-based patient care. The curriculum integrates theoretical foundations with practical applications, enabling students to interpret clinical data, tailor pharmacotherapy to individual patient needs and navigate the complexities of modern drug therapy.
The Department also serves as a vibrant centre for research, investigating new drug candidates, optimising existing treatments and studying the pharmacological basis of disease. This research not only advances scientific knowledge but also informs clinical practice, public health policy and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Collaboration is at the heart of the department’s mission. Through partnerships with hospitals, research institutions, regulatory agencies and the pharmaceutical industry, it ensures that teaching and research remain aligned with the latest scientific advancements and healthcare priorities. In doing so, the Department of Pharmacology bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world medical practice, contributing to improved patient outcomes locally, nationally and globally.
Mission
To deliver high-quality pharmacology education, research, and professional development that advances safe and effective medication use, fosters innovation in drug discovery, and enhances patient outcomes through collaborative partnerships and evidence-based practice.
Vision
To be a leading centre of excellence in pharmacology education, research and policy engagement, recognised nationally and internationally for its contributions to drug safety, therapeutic innovation and public health improvement.
Functions
The Department of Pharmacology plays a central role in equipping students with the comprehensive knowledge and skills required to understand and apply pharmacological science in clinical practice. It provides in-depth training on drug actions, therapeutic applications, potential adverse effects and drug–drug or drug–disease interactions, building a solid foundation for safe, effective and evidence-based patient care. The teaching approach integrates theoretical instruction with clinical case studies, ensuring that students can confidently link pharmacological principles to real-world medical decision-making.
The Department is also at the forefront of cutting-edge pharmacological research, with active projects in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, molecular pharmacology and drug discovery. These research activities aim to optimise drug efficacy, reduce adverse effects and identify new therapeutic agents for emerging and resistant diseases. In parallel, the Department supports clinical training in prescription practices, rational drug use and medication safety, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
Students receive hands-on laboratory training in toxicology, forensic pharmacology and experimental pharmacology, working with advanced instrumentation and simulation models to translate theoretical knowledge into practical competence. These experiences prepare them not only for hospital and community practice but also for specialised roles in regulatory agencies, research laboratories and pharmaceutical development.
Through strong collaborations with pharmaceutical industries, healthcare providers and research institutions, the department contributes to the development of innovative treatment strategies and the refinement of existing therapies. It also offers Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes to practising healthcare professionals, focusing on emerging treatments, updates in drug safety and advances in personalised medicine.
Pharmacovigilance is a cornerstone of the Department’s mandate, with ongoing programmes dedicated to monitoring, reporting and analysing adverse drug reactions at both the hospital and community levels. Leveraging computational pharmacology, bioinformatics and artificial intelligence, the Department is pioneering approaches to improve drug design, predict treatment responses and personalise therapy based on genetic and metabolic profiles.
On the policy front, the Department actively contributes to national and international drug policy formulation, providing expert input into regulatory frameworks, essential medicines lists and public health strategies. By participating in public health initiatives, the Department ensures that Pharmacological expertise informs campaigns on antimicrobial stewardship, rational prescribing and safe medication practices, ultimately enhancing healthcare delivery and patient safety at all levels.
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