The Chairman, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Ogun State chapter, Adewale Adenugba, on Sunday, disclosed that the 2023 Pharmacists Day celebration which comes up every 25th of September, would be dedicated to carrying out free medical outreach in some selected communities across Abeokuta, the state capital.
He added that the state PSN chapter would also pay visits to Correctional homes and orphanages
Adenugba said that the beneficiaries of the free medical outreaches would enjoy basic health investigation, health education, and free medication while some schools have also been selected for talks on the evils of drug abuse coupled with media engagement for continuous education of the populace.
He stated this in a statement issued over the celebration of this year’s Pharmacists’ Day with the theme, ‘Pharmacy: Strengthening The Health System.’
Highlighting the importance of pharmacy practice, Adenugba said, “In our country Nigeria, pharmacists remain the most accessible healthcare professionals in most communities, presenting available and affordable healthcare solutions to the populace and improving public health standards across the country.”
He said, “As the experts on medicines, more pharmacists could be allowed to prescribe and initiate medication. Pharmacists also have the skills to take on the management of patients with long-term conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and HIV.”
He noted that community pharmacists have shown tremendous success in this regard.
“Nigeria needs to move in this direction as it has been proven in more advanced nations if we are to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal SDG-3 of the United Nations on Access to Essential Health Services.
“Pharmacy practice in Nigerian hospital settings is going deeper with improved skills through specialisation as we now have well-trained and certified Consultant Pharmacists whose practice and cadre is backed by a Federal Government gazette that hopefully would be adopted by our dear state Ogun, in a short while.”
He said the World Pharmacists Day was an initiative of the International Pharmaceutical Federation which was recognised in 2009 at a conference held in Istanbul, Turkey.
Adenugba said that the purpose of such celebration “is to draw attention to pharmacy and pharmacists, recognising the role of pharmacists in improving global health. It is also meant to encourage and support actions that promote healthcare worldwide.”
Share your story or advertise with us: Whatsapp: +2347068606071 Email: info@newspotng.com
