A PROPOSED VIRTUAL PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING ENVIRONMENT AS AN ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION TO ENHANCE INDUSTRIAL PHARMACY SKILLS AMID THE CURRENT CRISIS IN SUDAN

Abubakr A. A. Gassim*, Elnazeer I. Mohamed, Fatehalrahman Faris Magbool

ABSTRACT

Industrial pharmacy education requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing, equipment, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), documentation and related industrial activities. However, the current crisis in Sudan has disrupted higher education, laboratory teaching and access to pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, creating diGiculties in providing students with adequate practical industrial pharmacy training. This study aimed to develop a proposed Virtual Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Environment (VPME) Framework as an alternative educational approach to support industrial pharmacy skills and bridge the gap between theoretical instruction and practical training during periods of disruption. A descriptive analytical framework was used to examine the educational requirements and potential feasibility of VPME from the perspectives of pharmacy students, academic staG and pharmaceutical-industry professionals. A model dataset was used to demonstrate the proposed analysis of current practical-training challenges, stakeholder perceptions of VPME, important pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, GMP, QA and QC requirements, potential educational benefits and implementation challenges. The model analysis included 150 responses, comprising 50 pharmacy students, 50 academic staG and 50 pharmaceutical-industry professionals. The model results indicated substantial perceived disruption to practical industrial pharmacy education. Stakeholders also showed generally positive perceptions of VPME as a complementary educational approach. Important areas identified for inclusion included weighing, mixing, granulation, drying, milling, compression, coating, packaging and quality control. GMP, QA/QC, documentation, deviation management and problem-solving were also identified as important components. The proposed VPME Framework integrates pharmaceutical manufacturing processes and equipment with GMP, QA, QC, interactive learning, assessment, feedback and curriculum integration. The framework is intended to complement rather than replace physical laboratory and industrial training. Further development and evaluation of a functional VPME platform are recommended.

Keywords: Industrial Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Virtual Learning, Simulation, Virtual Reality, GMP, Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Sudan, VPME.