横浜薬科大学 薬学部

Introduction of Departments

Three Departments have been set up covering subjects on worldwide topics in the areas of pharmaceutical sciences. It is suggested that medical management in the 21st century will shift in the direction of “personalized medication” and “preventive care”. Moreover, “appropriate use of medicines” and “prevention of medical error” have been highlighted as areas of concern due to the possibility of accidents at clinical sites. The pharmacist has major responsibilities in all of these areas. Our College has a professional pharmacy practice and is committed to providing quality education and training pharmacists of the highest calibre that meet the demands of today’s society.

According to the records of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and communications in 2005 one-fifth of the Japanese population was 65 or more years old. Additionally, the ratio is forecast to increase to one-third by 2020. It is said that this will cause an increase in medical cost parallel to the increase in the number of senior citizens. Besides which it was found during the investigation carried out in 2002 that 100 billion yen was wasted in the fiscal year 2001 on needless medicine and diagnosis. The realities of the investigation have shown that excessive medication and diagnosis resulted in unnecessary and wasteful insurance expenditure.

Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to consider how to manage the health care insurance system, reduce the side effects of drugs and cut down unnecessary costs in health care. This is why “personalized medication” is needed. It is also important to be educated in “preventive care” which not only helps in improving life style but is likewise important in preventing complications caused by self-medication.

The Pharmacist must meet the demands of the times and be responsible for ensuring that medical accidents are avoided. The three Departments were founded in order to educate students in becoming pharmacists with knowledge of personalized pharmacotherapy and types of self-medication of Kampo, oriental medication,.

Qualifications

Students graduating from each Department of six-year-curriculum of Yokohama College of Pharmacy are eligible for the pharmacist national examination.