Acting Chief Pharmacist at the Ministry of Health Sookdeo Singh used the occasion of World Pharmacists’ Day 2024 to remind pharmacists that the country’s current laws governing the sale of medicines should be complied with.
“We also need to put systems in place to detect substandard and falsified medication,” he said at a symposium on Sunday in celebration of World Pharmacists Day, observed annually on September 25.
Organised by the Guyana Pharmacists’ Association (GPA), the event aimed to empower local pharmacists with fresh insights into the vital role they play in preventative healthcare, reflecting this year’s theme: “Preventative Health Care – The Role of the Pharmacist.”
Held at Montrose, East Coast Demerara, the symposium received generous support from Massy Distribution (Guyana) Inc. Keynote speakers included GPA President Kwame Waldron, Massy Distribution’s Assistant Vice President Bhashkaranand Singh, among others.
The event provided a platform for pharmacists to engage with new ideas and strategies that they can implement in their practice. With the emphasis on preventative care, attendees were encouraged to think critically about their roles in promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing the burden of illness.
The Acting Chief Pharmacist shared how World Pharmacists’ Day is one to recognise and celebrate the crucial role pharmacists play in building healthier communities as they are often the first point of contact for health advice and care.
He also urged them to participate in research and development. “Our country is currently constructing 12 hospitals so we have jobs for pharmacists across the country.”
Waldron offered that the occasion is not only a celebration but an opportunity to learn, share and grow. He said the topics that were up for discussion are all vital components of the continuous development of pharmacists.
“The knowledge gained will empower the pharmacists so they will be able to go back into their places of work and have new perspectives on preventative healthcare.
The Massy representative reminded the pharmacists of the need for integrity, trust, accountability, responsibility, and keeping themselves informed.
“It’s not all about the money. It’s all about your role as the pharmacist in this evolving industry and if we allow these five principles to guide us, collaboratively, we can do what is best for the average Guyanese; our people before our profit line.”
There are two functional bodies that operate in the pharmacy industry in Guyana: The Guyana Pharmacists’ Association and the Pharmacy Council of Guyana.
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