Laboratories play an important role in any institution since they serve as nodal points research and testing. As such, all-round smooth functioning of labs is of utmost significance in ensuring quality education. In view of this, G.H.G. Khalsa College of Pharmacy, Gurusar Sadhar, Ludhiana (Punjab) organised this Two-Day Skill Enhancement Workshop for Laboratory Assistants in campus under the supervision of Principal Dr. Satvinder Kaur.
Laboratory assistants from all laboratories participated in the Workshop from 24th to 25th May 2021. The Inaugural Ceremony on 24th was graced by Dr. Satvinder Kaur.
In the First Session after the Ceremony, Dr. Sonia Singla delivered a talk on calibration of glassware and hands on training on standardization of solutions. She also told about Laboratory Safety focusing on handling hazardous chemicals, she emphasized that chemicals like mercury should be used with utmost care and precaution in labs. She also underlined the use of appropriate personal protection equipment, proper storage and disposal of chemicals.
She also spoke on First Aid and acquainted participants with common injuries at labs and measures to be taken in event of mishaps. Following this, she gave a demonstration on maintenance of Ph meter and colorimeter instruments and applicative training in maintenance of various equipments like potentiometers, conductometer.

On the day of second the workshop featured a demo lecture on computer organization and usage of online platform to attend meetings, a talk on electrical hazards and basic aspects of electrical maintenance. Highlighting some common errors made while operating electrical equipment, practical insights into preventive and safety measures that need to be integrated in every day practice in labs and a session in the rubrics of stock verification. With an amalgamation of theoretical knowledge with practical application, this Workshop aimed at improving the competencies of laboratory assistants and also equipping them with additional skills required to ensure a methodical and sophisticated functioning of labs.
The Valedictory Ceremony was graced by the distinguished presence of Principal Dr. Satvinder Kaur. She said that advancement in skills can help to raise standards of quality education. Reinforcing the objective of the Workshop, Principal madam put forth the need for sophisticated functioning of laboratories across institutions. She emphasized that laboratories should be spaces where leading-edge research is undertaken and for this purpose, all staff members including laboratory assistants must be equipped with advanced skills. The workshop was coordinated by Associate Professor from the Department of Pharmaceutics Dr. Anu Jindal.