World Pharmacists Day 2024 was observed under the theme, “Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs”, at Red Cross complex hall, Kohima and Tuensang on Wednesday.
In Kohima, the programme was organised by Kohima District Pharmacists Union (KDPU).
Resource person, asst. drug controller, Health & Family Welfare, Tiatoshi Amer, emphasized the evolving and crucial role of pharmacists in meeting global health needs.
He highlighted that the theme for this year, “Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs,” underscores the expanding responsibilities of pharmacists in the global health care landscape.
Tiatoshi pointed out that while pharmacists were already integral to public health care delivery, their role in global health remains underexplored in literature.
He suggested that to fully define their contributions, pharmacists must rethink the scope of services they can offer and where these services can be effectively applied. “The role of pharmacists has transformed over time, and today, they play a critical part in ensuring the efficacy and safety of medications,” he said.
Speaking on the impact of the Covid -19 pandemic, Tiatoshi remarked that the health care system globally was undergoing a significant transformation, and pharmacists are at the forefront of this change.
He explained that pharmacists have been recognized as the most accessible health care professionals due to the volume of people who rely on their services.
As a result, they were well-positioned to improve public health by educating patients, advising on minor ailments, providing information on medications, and preventing drug-related problems in collaboration with other health professionals.
He also highlighted the evolving nature of pharmacy practice, particularly in advanced countries, where pharmacists work alongside other health care providers to ensure the safe and effective use of medicines.
However, he expressed concern over persistent issues like incorrectly prescribed medications and patient non-adherence, which undermine patient care.
He further urged the pharmacists to be more conscious of their responsibilities and to change their perspectives toward their profession. He expressed hope that these efforts would elevate the status of pharmacists in Nagaland and wished all those present a happy and blessed Pharmacists Day.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Naroinla and invocation by Gwahile Tep.
Welcome address was delivered by president, KDPU, Phyobemo C Tungoe while deputy director, Pharmacy, DHFW, Khele Thorie and drug control officer, Kohima, Ethungbemo Ezung, exhorted the gathering.
Vote of thanks was proposed by asst. GS, KDPU, Yanthungbeni T Lotha and benediction by Imkongsangla.
TUENSANG: Tuensang District Pharmacist Union observed the day at the Medical Superintendent Conference hall District Hospital Tuensang.
On the occasion, retired senior pharmacist, Amos Lotha and Lanukaba highlighted about the profession related responsibilities, role of pharmacist and also encouraged pharmacist to be alert and competent.
The programme was chaired by pharmacist, Khoanyam Konyak, and the programme began with an invocation by Imtikhumla. Welcome address was delivered by president TDPU, T. Hosea Meya, felicitation by pharmacist, Aoniken and vote of thanks pharmacist, Imtilemla.