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Shailen’s blog
21st September 2009
“Hello! I arrived yesterday afternoon and the first thing I met was
the heat! I really
cant believe how hot it is! 30’C and still raining a little. On
arrival I met a representative from The Silver Star Appeal, Dilip
Francis. He is very nice and friendly. He kindly took me to my hotel
and let me unpack and rest for a bit. Later he introduced me to
Sushila Mendez, a trustee of The Silver Star Appeal. Today was my
first day at Ranbaxy, an Indian pharmaceutical company specializing
in making generics. The plant I’m at makes tablets and all
semi-solid dosage forms. Initially I was introduced to the managing
director of the plant and the rest of the morning was spent with the
product development team, who try and improve existing formulations
for the specific dosage forms they produce. The afternoon was spent
with the manufacturing department and I got to see all the machinery
they use to produce tablets/creams/ointments etc. This reminded me
of the tableting lectures and practical’s we had in the second year.
Actually seeing tablets being made in real life and reading all the
SOP’s helped me understand the manufacturing process of tablets a
lot better!”
Unfortunately I am not allowed to take photos at ranbaxy as my
camera was taken off me at the initial security gate. The managing
director told me that I am not freely allowed to take photos but he
will arrange a few for me and I will take a photo with him tomorrow.
But taking pictures inside the factory is normally not allowed.
22nd September 2009
"Today was my second day at ranbaxy, I must say that travelling to
work in a ferry was not what I was expecting but truly does make my
journey eventful. The morning today was spent with the warehousing
department and I was also introduced to Quality control. After lunch
I spent the afternoon with the Regulatory Affairs correspondent who
prepares applications for medications to be licensed in different
countries, this was very interesting as I did not know how strict
the rules were on the manfacture of drugs. Sorry for the late
update, I just went to the beach and had some dinner. :P"
23rd September 2009
"Today was my third day at Ranbaxy, where I learnt about the the
validation of all processes and machinery. The validation process is
very important as it ensures the process/machine is producing the
same high quality medicines everytime it runs. I then spent the
afternoon with the engineering department who showed me how the
plant is supplied with all the utility needs, such as
water/steam/compressed air etc. Also they showed me how they recycle
waste water (which may be contaminated with chemicals) to be used as
water for gardening. The scope for pharmacists in industry in india
is very big, unlike the in the UK, 80% of pharmacist in india end up
working for a pharmacuetical compnay."
24th
September 2009
"Today was my fourth day at Ranbaxy, I spent the whole day in the
Quality Assurance/Control Labs. This is where all medicines made are
tested to ensure their quality is within the set guidelines. I also
got to see the microbiology labs, and learnt the importance of
steriliry in the manufacture of medicines."
25th
September 2009
Today was
my last day at ranbaxy, where I spent the morning with the infotech
department. Here I learnt the the main software infrastructure of
the company. I then spent the afternoon with the purchasing
department. I also got to sit in an appointment with some sales
reps, where I saw how they try to negotiate prices to keep the
company costs low. Having visited all the departments in the
company, my internship was now over.
26th
September 2009
Finally I
got a lie in! Today I went to the beach. I spent a little time
preparing my report regarding my internship with Ranbaxy
but generally spent the day relaxing and doing not much else.
27th
September 2009
Today
I attended my first Silver Star camp in Goa. It was in the 'Our Lady
Of Assumption Church, in Sarzora. I was glad we never had a rush of
too many people, as I was a little aprehensive of testing as I do
not speak the local language, and many of the villiagers do not
speak English. I was also a little nervous about 'pricking' the
people as, unlike in England where we use Lancets, in Goa disposable
needles are used. After a little practice I was then familiar with
this porcess. I also got to meet the third trustee, Dr. Agnelo.
28th
September 2009
Today me
and Dilip went to hand in a copy of the report to Ranbaxy. Whilst we
were there we took a few photos and an interview about my
internship. We then went to Panjim, the capital of Goa, where we
went on a boat cruise in the Mandovi River.
29th
September 2009
Another
early start! Today I went to the Goa College of Pharmacy, in Panjim. They
gave me a tour of the faculty, and explained the Pharmacy course
structuce in India. Unlike in the UK where it is a four year course,
to get an MPharm it is a 6 year course! I also got to speak to a few
of the student there, however I did not get to sit in a
class/lecture as it was the exam period. We also visited another
city in Goa, Vasco, where we did a little sight seeing.
30th
September 2009
Today I
took a tour of Goa. In the morning I went Jet Skiing in Dona
Paula, then to Fort Aguarda - a cellular jail from the Portugese
period. We then went to the Old Goa church and then to Mangeshi
temple. In the afternoon we went to 'The Spice Farm' where we were
taken on a tour of the spice plantations. It was nice to see all
the tourist attractions today as I knew we had a few busy days
ahead. However I was slightly dissapointed with the weather.
1st October 2009
I attended
my second Silver Star Camp in M/S V M Salgoacar & brothers Pvt
Ltd mine in Surul, Goa. We tested over 200 people in one day which
was a great success. It was a long day, but was worth it as we
tested so may people.
2nd October 2009
Today I
attened my third Silver Star Camp in Aprant Iron & Steel Pvt Ltd,
Dempo Group of Companies in Sanguem, Goa. We tested 119 people today
which was a good result! Today was my last full day in Goa, and it
was blessed with heavy rains and a thunder storm. In the afternoon
we visited Saualim Dam, and Sarzoa Lake. As much as I wanted to
stay in Goa, I have to return back home!
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