First Paper Syllabus Pharmacy
Other Syllabus Materials
Second Paper Syllabus: Technical Subject – Pharmacy Group: Overview
Full Marks: 100
Pass Marks: 40
Question Pattern:
4 Critical Analysis Questions × 15 marks = 60
2 Problem-Solving Questions × 20 marks = 40
Total Time: 3 hours
This paper focuses on core technical competencies required in the field of pharmacy, ranging from pharmaceutical industry practices to healthcare service integration.
1. Introduction to Pharmacy in Nepal
Development of Pharmacy Profession in Nepal
A brief evolution of pharmacy education, regulatory bodies, and institutions like DDA and NPC.Essential Drug Concept & Standard Treatment Schedules
Importance of cost-effective and essential medicines, especially under an open market policy.Present Status of Pharmacy Human Resources
Current availability, demand, and scope of pharmacists in public and private sectors.
2. Pharmaceutical Processing and Modern Techniques
Modern Drug Delivery Systems
Controlled release, transdermal, liposomal, and targeted drug delivery technologies.Formulation Stability
Role of additives and environmental factors in ensuring drug effectiveness over time.Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Use of biotech in vaccine production, recombinant drugs, and monoclonal antibodies.
3. Total Quality Management (TQM) & Quality Assurance (QA)
Philosophy of TQM in Pharma
Customer-centric continuous improvement with reference to pharmaceutical industries.Quality Assurance in Pharmaceutical Industry
SOPs, documentation, validation, and quality audits for safe medicine production.
4. WHO-GMP and Manufacturing Standards
WHO-GMP Philosophy & Elements
Focus on product quality, consistency, hygiene, and personnel training.Good Practices in Production & Quality Control
QA/QC labs, production record-keeping, and environmental monitoring.Manufacturing of Sterile, Biological, and Herbal Drugs
Aseptic processing, regulatory standards, and challenges.Production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Bulk drug synthesis, purity standards, and global sourcing.Inspector’s Role in GMP
Monitoring compliance, report generation, and corrective actions.Comparison of WHO-GMP with National Codes
Differences between WHO-GMP and Nepal’s Drug Manufacturing Codes.
5. Role of Pharmacists in the Health System
Pharmaceutical Care & Clinical Pharmacy
Pharmacist’s role in patient-centered care and medication therapy management.Community Pharmacy
Counseling, OTC medication management, and first-contact healthcare.Drug Information Services
Evidence-based data sharing with doctors and patients.
6. Drug Supply Management & Rational Use
Core Functions: Selection to Distribution
Steps of essential drug management — selecting, quantifying, procuring, storing, and distributing.Drug Financing & Community Drug Programs
Revolving drug funds, sustainable drug availability at community levels.Health Insurance & Pharmacy
Coverage schemes, pharmacy reimbursement models, and financial risk protection.Formularies & DTCs
Role of national and hospital formularies and Drug & Therapeutic Committees in ensuring rational drug use.Antibiotic Use & Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
Current misuse issues, AMR surveillance, and pharmacist’s intervention role.Dispensers’ Role in Rational Use
Proper dispensing, avoiding polypharmacy, patient education, and ADR monitoring.
7. Quality Control of Drugs
Specifications
Detailed standards set for raw materials and final pharmaceutical products, ensuring consistency and quality.Pharmacopoeia
Official books and guidelines that set standards for medicines, including their strength, quality, and purity.Quality Parameters of Pharmaceutical Products & Raw Materials
Key aspects like physical, chemical, microbiological, and stability testing to assess the quality of drugs.Laboratory Quality Management Systems
Frameworks that ensure consistent performance in laboratories, including good laboratory practices (GLP).Accreditation and Proficiency Testing
Ensuring labs meet international standards and consistently produce reliable test results.Reference Standards
Established substances used as a comparison for testing the quality of pharmaceutical products.Quality Control of Biological Products
Special procedures and guidelines for testing vaccines, blood products, and biotechnology-derived medicines.
8. Drug Regulation
Assuring Availability of Drugs
Ensuring consistent drug supply through proper forecasting, distribution, and inventory management.Implementation of Drug Policy in Relation to the Drug Act
Enforcing national regulations to ensure safe and effective use of pharmaceuticals within the country.Regulatory Measures to Overcome Evolving Drug Use Problems
Addressing emerging issues like narcotics, psychotropics, and other drug misuse through regulatory action.Price Control Mechanisms
Government interventions to regulate and control the cost of essential drugs, ensuring affordability.Strategies for Regulating Traditional and Herbal Drugs
Ensuring safety and efficacy through proper legislation and standards for non-conventional medicines.Pharmacoepidemiology & Pharmacovigilance
Monitoring the effects of drugs after they reach the market, including tracking side effects and long-term impact.Clinical Trials & Role of Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC)
Oversight and approval of clinical trials to ensure that drug studies are conducted ethically and safely.
Pharmacy Syllabuss
Description
Paper I: General Subject – 100 Marks
This paper is common for all groups and sub-groups under the health service and is divided into two parts:
Part I: Management (50 Marks)
Includes 6 short-answer questions worth 5 marks each (Total: 30 marks)
Plus 2 long-answer questions worth 10 marks each (Total: 20 marks)
Part II: General Health Issues (50 Marks)
Includes 4 question worth 5 marks each (Total: 20 marks)
Plus 3 long questions worth 10 marks each (Total: 30 marks)
Passing Marks: 40 out of 100
Paper I: General Subject (100 Marks)
Management and General Health Issues
This paper is common for all groups/sub-groups in the Nepal Health Service and is divided into two major parts:
Part I: Management (50 Marks)
This section tests your knowledge of management principles and their application to health institutions and services in Nepal. Here's what's included:
Basics of Management
Concept, principles, functions, scope
Roles, levels, and essential skills of managers
Hospital Management
Organization and operation of hospitals
Primary Health Care Service Management
Managing health services at the grassroots level
Private Sector Health Institutions
Regulation and management of private health facilities
Development and Management of Health Institutions
Planning and upgrading health centers
Health Workforce Recruitment and Development
Hiring and skill development of health professionals
National Health Training System Management
Structure and functioning of national training programs
Participative Management
Meaning, benefits, challenges, and techniques for involving staff in decision-making
Time Management
Importance, benefits, and drawbacks of managing time effectively
Conflict Management
Understanding conflict: causes, types, approaches, and resolution strategies
Stress Management
Sources and effects of stress, and stress-handling techniques
Change Management
Dealing with change in organizations, causes of resistance, and how to overcome it
Appreciative Inquiry
A positive approach to organizational development and change
Financial Management
Budgeting, auditing, fiscal control, and financial planning
Human Resource Management
Concepts, functions, and HR-related responsibilities
Project Management
Steps, tools, and methods for managing projects in health settings
Planning
Concepts, types, tools, and steps in planning
National planning systems
Ministry of Health (MOH) and Department of Health Services (DOHS) planning
District-level health planning
Motivation
Motivation theories, reasons for low performance, and strategies to motivate employees
Leadership
Definition, key functions
Various leadership styles (authoritative, democratic, etc.)
Relationship between leadership and effective management
Coordination
Meaning, importance, and types
Techniques and strategies for achieving effective coordination
Communication
Communication process and its role in organizations
Barriers to effective communication
Techniques for improving workplace communication
Decision Making
Importance of sound decision-making
Types of decisions (strategic, operational, etc.)
Rational steps in the decision-making process
Part II: General Health Issues (50 Marks)
This part tests your awareness of health policies, governance, rights, and global health frameworks. It is highly relevant for candidates in all health-related roles.
Present Constitution of Nepal
Provisions related to health and welfare
National Health Policy 2071
Key goals, objectives, and implementation areas
Second Long Term Health Plan (1997–2017)
Focus areas, achievements, and gaps
Health Sector Reform Strategy
Modernization efforts in Nepal’s health system
Current Periodic Plan & Health Sector
Role of health in national development agendas
Health Services Act 2053 & Regulation 2055
Legal framework and rules for healthcare delivery
Organizational Structure
Health system structure from Ministry to District level
Health and Human Rights
Includes women’s, children’s, professional, and client rights
Concept of informed consent
Gender Issues in Health
Addressing gender gaps in health planning and services
Local Governance & Decentralization
Role of local bodies in managing health services
International Health Agencies
Roles and responsibilities of WHO, UNICEF, UNFPA
Inter-agency collaboration
Global Health Declarations
Key international declarations impacting health (e.g., Alma-Ata, SDGs)
Professional Councils and Regulations
Licensing, regulation, and responsibilities
Medical Ethics
General principles and real-world applications
Continuous Medical Education (CME)
Importance of ongoing learning for health professionals
Indigenous & Traditional Healing Practices
Integration and recognition of local health systems
Supervision in Health Sector
Types of supervision and their importance for quality care
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) in Health
Systematic tracking of health programs and performance
Tools and indicators used in M&E
Role in improving accountability and service delivery
Health Management Information System (HMIS)
Collection, analysis, and use of health data
Supports evidence-based decision making
Backbone for planning and monitoring in the health sector
Health Insurance & Healthcare Financing
Concepts of universal health coverage and insurance models
Sources of health financing (government, donors, private sector)
Importance in ensuring equitable access to services
Environment and Health
Impact of air pollution, domestic pollution, and noise pollution
Preventive measures and health awareness for environmental hazards
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
Crucial for preventing communicable diseases
Link between clean water, sanitation, and child mortality reduction
Disasters and Public Health
Health effects of deforestation, landslides, floods, earthquakes, and fires
Emergency preparedness and disaster response strategies
Industrial Hazards and Health
Exposure to chemicals, gases, and machinery risks
Occupational health and safety standards
Role of Health Volunteers
Frontline role in awareness, basic services, and community engagement
Examples include FCHVs (Female Community Health Volunteers)
Community Involvement in Health Delivery
Participation in health planning, implementation, and feedback
Improves ownership and effectiveness of services
Social Inclusion in Health
Ensuring services reach marginalized groups (gender, caste, disability, etc.)
Inclusive planning and equitable HR distribution
Counseling in Health Service Delivery
Concept, types (individual, group, family)
Application in mental health, family planning, HIV/AIDS, etc.
Importance of communication and empathy in counseling