Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) is preparing to launch the Pharmacist Professional Education Program (Program Studi Pendidikan Profesi Apoteker – PSPPA) as a strategic step to strengthen its contribution in the health sector. The establishment of this program is expected to create new opportunities for prospective students aspiring to become pharmacists while addressing the growing demand for pharmaceutical professionals in Indonesia.

To accelerate the process, the PSPPA implementation team at UNIPMA conducted a benchmarking visit to the Pharmacist Professional Education Program at Universitas Islam Negeri (UIN) Malang.

In an interview, the Vice Chair of the PSPPA Establishment Team, apt. Weka Sidha Bhagawan, M.Farm., emphasized that Indonesia still faces a significant shortage of pharmacists. According to him, the Ministry of Health has provided broad opportunities for universities with a “Very Good” accredited Pharmacy Program to immediately open a pharmacist professional program. “Currently, many universities with a Bachelor of Pharmacy Program do not yet have a Pharmacist Professional Program,” he stated on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

He further explained that pharmacists have now become a mandatory part of healthcare services across various sectors, from community health centers (puskesmas) and hospitals to pharmacies and the pharmaceutical industry. “The career opportunities are extensive—ranging from healthcare services, establishing one’s own pharmacy, working in pharmaceutical manufacturing, drug distribution companies, to research. Through PSPPA UNIPMA, we aim to produce competent and competitive pharmacists,” he added.

In preparing the program, UNIPMA has formed a dedicated team involving Pharmacy lecturers, supported by related university offices such as the Quality Assurance Institute (LPM) and Accreditation Bureau. The Ministry also requires PSPPA lecturers to hold at least a Master’s degree in Pharmacy and be licensed pharmacists. UNIPMA has already prepared the necessary human resources in line with these requirements.

Through its benchmarking at UIN Malang, UNIPMA gained insights into curriculum design, academic management, and development strategies for a pharmacist professional program that aligns with societal needs. “We want to establish a PSPPA that not only meets national standards but also produces graduates ready to tackle challenges in the healthcare sector,” stressed apt. Weka Sidha Bhagawan, M.Farm.

With thorough preparation, PSPPA UNIPMA is targeted to officially open in early 2026. The establishment of this program will add to UNIPMA’s list of leading study programs while reinforcing the university’s role in producing professional healthcare workers.