Interview of Dr. Akram Ahmad, BPharm, PharmD (p.b), PhD (the University of Sydney, Australia) taken online on July 24, 2024 on the lack of knowledge about overseas opportunities for Indian Pharmacists.
In India, a pharmacist's average salary ranges from INR 2 to 4 lakhs per annum. In contrast, pharmacists in countries like Ireland, Australia etc, can earn between INR 40 to 60 lakhs per annum or more. Plus, there are several benefits such as healthcare and educational benefits in some countries and tax-free salaries in others, which add value to this income. This substantial difference is a major motivator for migration.
Interview Questions and Answers
1. Please tell us how you achieved a dream that millions of Indian pharmacists have.
My journey began in a small town called Sahaswan in the Budaun district of Uttar Pradesh, which had only one science school up to grade 10. In my town, people usually studied until the 10th grade and then pursued the farming or businesses their parents had established, whether big or small—some completed graduation just for the sake of obtaining a degree. However, I always had the zeal to study more, and thus I switched cities, then states, and at one point, even a nation to pursue higher studies!
My family encouraged me to pursue a diploma in pharmacy (DPharm) so that I could get a government job, which is every Indian's dream job. However, the lack of good job opportunities in India forced me to look beyond, and thus, I went on to complete my Bachelor of Pharmacy and later my Doctor of Pharmacy. Still, I couldn’t get the career I desired, so I began my career as an educator at an Indian pharmacy college.
I wanted to explore opportunities overseas, and I joined as a clinical pharmacy lecturer at UCSI University in Malaysia to contribute to education and research. While I was teaching there in 2016, I received the "Best Promising Researcher Award" in 2016. Subsequently, I was awarded the University of Sydney International Scholarship to complete my PhD in Medicine and Health. I became a medical scientist and manager at Westmead Children’s Hospital with NSW Health in Sydney.
I am a keen researcher, and my profile is rated among the world’s top 2% of young scientists on ResearchGate- a global professional network for scientists and researchers.
2. What motivated you to start Academically Global?
Upon arriving in Sydney for my PhD, I discovered a significant oversight: I could have registered as a pharmacist in Australia right after my B.Pharm if I had known about the KAPS exam earlier. Moreover, while conducting my PhD research on Indian diabetic patients and their families living in Australia, I came across hundreds of pharmacists working in jobs like supermarkets, childcare centres, aged care and more, which didn’t align with their educational background and expertise.
I remember having a conversation with an Indian cab driver who, despite holding a Masters in Public Health from Australia and a B.Pharm from India, worked as a cab driver due to a lack of knowledge about the opportunities and prospects he could grab.
Many global pharmacists were clueless about their future, and some were struggling with licensing exams and migration. Therefore, I decided to take action. I started a YouTube channel to educate healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, on global career pathways.
When I started researching about the shortage of healthcare professionals in regional areas, I witnessed numerous stories and experienced that the shortage is a lot more than we anticipated. Healthcare facilities were running out of workers, causing the existing professionals to work extra hours. This spurred me to create Academically.com—an affordable, comprehensive platform to train and guide pharmacy graduates on global opportunities. My mission was to bridge the gap between the shortage of professionals in Australia and other countries and the deserving candidates looking for opportunities overseas.
3. How does Academically Global support healthcare professionals in their registration, jobs and migration journey?
Academically Global offers comprehensive training resources and courses for specific healthcare licensing exams of various countries. From guidance to support in completing the document verification process, clearing the examinations and helping professionals find a job, we guide them throughout the journey. We focus on affordability and accessibility, ensuring financial constraints don't stop professionals from achieving their migration dreams. Our platform also provides guidance on migration criteria and requirements, helping healthcare professionals make informed decisions.
4. Can you explain the key licensing exams for pharmacists in different countries?
Just like students need to clear entrance exams to get admission into their preferred pharmacy colleges, licensing exams allow global pharmacy professionals to get registered in their preferred country. Licensing exams are crucial as they ensure that healthcare professionals meet the standards required to practise in the countries they want to register, work in and migrate to. These exams assess their knowledge, skills, and competence so that patient safety and quality care are ensured. Passing these exams is required for securing employment and migration, and these exams offer professionals a chance to get a work/PR visa in their preferred country without having to pursue higher studies there.
There are several countries that offer easy registration to pharmacists with one or two examinations. Most prominent exams include KAPS (Knowledge Assessment of Pharmaceutical Sciences) for Australia and New Zealand, PSI EE (Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland’s Equivalence Exam) for Ireland, SPLE (Saudi Pharmacist Licensure Examination) for Saudi Arabia, DHA (Dubai Health Authority) for Dubai/UAE, Oman Prometric Exam for Oman, and PEBC (Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada) for Canada amongst others.
5. How does the salary of a pharmacist in India compare to that of a pharmacist abroad?
The salary difference is significant. In India, a pharmacist's average salary ranges from INR 2 to 4 lakhs per annum. In contrast, pharmacists in countries like Ireland, Australia etc, can earn between INR 40 to 60 lakhs per annum or more. Plus, there are several benefits such as healthcare and educational benefits in some countries and tax-free salaries in others, which add value to this income. This substantial difference is a major motivator for migration.
6. How can Academically Global assist pharmacists in preparing for these licensing exams?
Academically Global provides comprehensive A to Z assistance to all aspiring pharmacists, including document evaluation, exam preparation, CV and cover letter preparation, job placement, and visa support. Our tailored courses are online and can be conducted in a live or a self-paced manner accompanied by experienced teachers, study materials, and practice exams for various licensing exams. Our resources are designed by experts to cover all relevant topics and provide comprehensive preparation. Additionally, we offer guidance to help professionals with the visa processes and help them build captivating CVs.
7. Do you think the Government of India should play a role in supporting pharmacists and their overseas journeys?
The Government of India should provide opportunities for pharmacists to acquire additional skills during their academic years in India as well as abroad. By guiding them about overseas opportunities and holding skill-sharing MOUs, they can promote career advancement opportunities amongst pharmacists. By supporting their migration, professionals can gain international experience, advanced training, and higher salaries. This not only benefits the individuals but also contributes to India's economy through remittances and the potential return of highly skilled professionals.
8. What are your future goals for Academically Global?
In the future, I want Academically global to be the go-to platform for healthcare professionals seeking to migrate and practice in their desired country. No matter where they are from, Academically global will assist them in completing their registration and setting up their practice in their chosen country.
9. What message would you like to convey to aspiring pharmacists?
I always advise my fellow pharmacists one important thing- never be disheartened by a lack of opportunities. Learn from my journey. I was just a common man like you. Look at the scale I am on today. Grab every opportunity that comes your way. Also, focus on learning and growing your skills outside pharmacy academic knowledge. The world is gigantic, and when you go out in the world, you will need several other skills and a lot of confidence, which you can build easily by engaging in multiple activities in your academic years. Utilise available resources, actively seek opportunities for growth and never give up on your dreams. If I can achieve success from humble beginnings, so can you.
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