College of Pharmacy (COP), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), organized a half day industrial visit for twelve B. Pharm 3rd year students on 4th August 2024 to National Pharmaceutical Industry (NPI), Oman. Dr. Mohammad Javed Qureshi accompanied the students. NPI is the first pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Oman and has been in operations since 2001. Currently, NPI is operating in the various markets in the GCC and MENA region, African Continent, CIS Countries, Southeast Asia and Europe.
Purpose of this visit was to provide an opportunity for the students to interact with Industry Experts, make them aware of the industrial procedures, orient them with critical aspects of GMP compliance and regulations in real time industrial operations and to correlate the classroom teaching with actual practice in pharmaceutical industry. The students were briefed about the company and its products range, and were guided by Mr. Saif (Production executive, NPI), and Mr. Mahmood Al Alawi (Assistant supervisor). They were taken to various packaging lines and were explained the importance of protective clothing and GMP requirements in pharmaceutical manufacturing. They observed closely the automated advanced technology in the packaging department and the process of packaging for oral liquid and solid dosage forms. They also learnt about the quality control procedures employed in NPI to ensure the quality of products from manufacturing till packaging and GMP requirement for flooring and wall paints in the pharmaceutical industry. The visit to NPI proved to be an invaluable learning experience for the students. They gained crucial insights into the practical application of GMP, quality assurance principles, packaging process technology, and related aspects in a real-world pharmaceutical manufacturing setting. This exposure will undoubtedly contribute to the academic journey and future career endeavors in the pharmaceutical industry.