Qualifications of Pharma Workers Under Scanner

Visakhapatnam:Last week's blast at Escientia Advanced Sciences Private Limited in Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone, Anakapalle district that killed 17 people has been a rude awakening for officials amid reports that companies are hiring under-qualified workers to reduce costs.

It is found that many workers in pharmaceutical companies across the combined Visakhapatnam district only have a degree in chemistry and lack practical training.

These workers are employed with a salary of `10,000 to `15,000 after they complete their B.Sc degree in chemistry.

Their background in chemistry is landing them jobs, but their lack of practical training in government and private colleges from intermediate to undergraduate levels is exposing them to accidents.

Speaking to the Deccan Chronicle, a faculty member in the department of chemistry at Andhra University, Prof. Dr V Siddaiah, said only M.Sc. students are provided with the opportunity to engage in practical laboratory work, wherein the exposure of intermediate and degree candidates to essential chemical experiments is nil.

The absence of practical laboratory sessions for students entering the workforce is a serious deficiency, he said.

This lack of practical training impacts employability, as companies are hesitant to hire such candidates. These workers need additional on-the-job training for their safety.

There are also allegations that companies are not conducting effective training classes.

Social analyst and educationalist Ramesh Patnaik said companies are not providing comprehensive training to the workers after hiring them, leading to difficulties in handling chemicals.

He said, "When the workers are given training, they will directly understand that the companies are handling dangerous chemicals. When this is known, the workers will insist on implementing safety measures in the company. Without safety measures, the workers may not even be ready to work. That's why these companies don’t provide the necessary training. Workers are bearing the brunt of these shortcomings.”

To add to this, new chemical compounds are created based on what the market demands are and this is very dangerous. The product formula is kept a secret and this leads to workers not knowing how to deal with the varying nature of chemicals when there is a mishap.