Ramen Deka calls for stronger rural healthcare, scientific research into traditional medicinal knowledge and ethical pharmacy education at APTI’s 28th national convention in Raipur
TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 24, 2026: Chhattisgarh Governor Ramen Deka has called for affordable medicines, better healthcare access in rural and tribal areas, and stronger measures to prevent the circulation of counterfeit drugs, stressing that healthcare and education must be treated as social responsibilities rather than merely commercial activities.
Addressing the 28th national convention of the Association of Pharmaceutical Teachers of India (APTI), titled APICON-2026, at Pandit Ravishankar Shukla University in Raipur on Saturday, Deka emphasised the need for coordinated efforts by doctors, pharmacists, educators and researchers to address the country’s healthcare challenges.
Held under the theme “The Resolve of Pharmacy Educators to Prepare Pharmacists for an Atmanirbhar Bharat”, the convention brought together educators, students and representatives of the pharmaceutical industry to discuss healthcare delivery, pharmacy education and research.
The Governor said that although India had made progress in healthcare, extending basic medical facilities to rural communities remained a major challenge. He urged doctors to consider patients’ financial circumstances while prescribing medicines and, wherever medically appropriate, recommend effective, lower-cost alternatives.
Highlighting the need to improve health and nutrition awareness in tribal areas, Deka called for greater outreach to rural communities, with particular attention to pregnant women, mothers and newborns.
He also stressed the importance of documenting and scientifically evaluating traditional medicinal knowledge in Chhattisgarh. Referring particularly to the Baiga community, he said tribal communities possessed valuable knowledge of medicinal plants and traditional healing practices that warranted systematic research.
Describing counterfeit medicines as a serious threat to public health, the Governor said their circulation endangered patients’ lives and weakened public confidence in the healthcare system. He urged pharmacy students, teachers and pharmaceutical companies to take responsibility for maintaining medicine quality and safety.
Deka also encouraged students to use artificial intelligence and internet-based resources to expand their knowledge while maintaining scientific curiosity, independent thinking and ethical values.
Dr. Montu M. Patel, president of the Pharmacy Council of India, said pharmacy curricula had incorporated subjects such as artificial intelligence and medical devices to keep pace with technological developments and industry requirements. He also highlighted a nationwide campaign being conducted at 42 locations to raise awareness about the unnecessary use of antibiotics.
Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Sachchidanand Shukla outlined the institution’s research initiatives and stressed the need to develop new products from Chhattisgarh’s forest-based medicinal resources. He also called for interdisciplinary research linking pharmacy with other scientific fields.
Dr. Milind Janrao Umekar, national president of APTI, highlighted the association’s efforts to improve training for pharmacy educators, promote research and strengthen industry collaboration.
B.R. Shankaranand, all-India organising secretary of the Bharatiya Shiksha Mandal, said education, culture and ethical values were essential to building a self-reliant India. He emphasised that education should contribute to social transformation and the development of responsible citizens.
Approximately 700 educators, 900 students and nearly 200 representatives from the pharmaceutical, marketing and industrial sectors attended the convention. Discussions focused on affordable medicines, patient safety, rural healthcare delivery, pharmacy education and the promotion of high-quality research.
