In the operation of the knowledge-based
economy and the context of global healthcare integration, the pharmaceutical
industry no longer revolves solely around formulation techniques or
pharmacological research. Instead, it has evolved into a complex administrative
system requiring multidisciplinary coordination. The Master of Pharmacy in Economic
and Administrative Pharmacy (Major Code: 8720212) serves as a cornerstone in
developing high-level human resources possessing the strategic mindset
necessary to operate the pharmaceutical value chain - from manufacturing and
distribution to healthcare service delivery.
1. Professional standing and
educational philosophy
The field of Economic and
Administrative Pharmacy represents the intersection of pharmaceutical science
and management science. The core objective of code 8720212 is to transform a
professional pharmacist into an administrative leader capable of data-driven
and evidence-based decision-making. The educational philosophy focuses on three
pillars: Administrative efficiency – Regulatory compliance – Resource
optimization.
Graduates are expected to not only
master professional expertise but also command modern management tools to solve
problems related to pharmacoeconomics, policy planning, and supply chain
management within a constantly fluctuating pharmaceutical market.
2. Knowledge structure and professional
competencies
The Master’s curriculum is designed
through a logical system, progressing from research methodology to advanced
management practices.
2.1. Strategic management and
pharmaceutical policy Knowledge
of healthcare policy and pharmaceutical law is a mandatory foundation. Students
develop the capacity to analyze legal documents, as well as national and
international pharmaceutical development planning. Strategic research enables
students to forecast market trends, evaluate the impact of free trade
agreements (FTAs) on the domestic industry, and build development roadmaps for
public and private organizations.
2.2. Pharmacoeconomics This is a pivotal module providing
quantitative tools to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of medical interventions.
Students practice various models, such as: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA),
Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), and Budget Impact Analysis (BIA). These skills are
vital for pharmacists participating in Drug and Therapeutics Committees,
assisting in the selection of essential drug lists based on both economic and
clinical evidence.
2.3. Supply chain management and
pharmaceutical logistics
In the pharmaceutical industry, product integrity from the factory to the
patient is a critical factor. The program provides in-depth training on Good
Practices (GPs), including GMP (Manufacturing), GDP (Distribution), and GPP
(Pharmacy). Students gain access to modern warehousing models, inventory
control, and the application of digital technologies (blockchain, AI) for
traceability, ensuring supply chain security and controlling counterfeit
medicines.
3. Research methodology in management
Unlike clinical pharmacology, which
focuses on biological experimentation, research in Economic and Administrative
Pharmacy focuses on behavioral science and systemic data analysis.
- Quantitative research: Utilizing social statistical methods
to evaluate patient satisfaction, or the operational efficiency of pharmacies
and hospitals.
- Qualitative research: Conducting in-depth interviews and
focus groups to identify barriers in the implementation of pharmaceutical
policies.
- Risk management: Building predictive models for
economic, legal, and quality risks within pharmaceutical business operations.
4. Information technology and digital
transformation
The program (Code 8720212) now strongly
integrates digital transformation content. Managing thousands of drug
stock-keeping units (SKUs), electronic health records (EHR), and large-scale
retail systems requires students to be proficient in Enterprise Resource
Planning (ERP) software, Hospital Information Systems (HIS), and e-Pharmacy
frameworks.
5. Career opportunities and impact
Holders of a Master’s degree in Economic
and Administrative Pharmacy have broad career paths in various strategic
positions:
- State management leadership: Working at the Drug Administration, Ministry
of Health, or health insurance policy-planning agencies.
- Senior corporate management: Chief executive officers (CEOs), supply
chain directors, or brand managers at multinational pharmaceutical
corporations.
- Hospital pharmacy management: Heads of pharmacy departments responsible
for optimizing drug supply processes and controlling costs at healthcare
facilities.
- Consultancy and education: Lecturers at medical and
pharmaceutical universities or strategic consultants for healthcare investment
funds.
The Master of Pharmacy in Economic and
Administrative Pharmacy (8720212) is not just a degree upgrade; it is a transformational
shift in administrative mindset. In the era of healthcare 4.0, where the
boundaries between professional science and economic efficiency are
increasingly blurred, highly qualified pharmaceutical managers are the key to
ensuring the sustainable development of the healthcare industry. They ensure
that quality medicines are not only produced but also distributed correctly, at
the right price, and to the right people in the most scientific manner.