adminFollowing the incessant abuse of drugs among youths, the Ogun State Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has disclosed plans to educate secondary schools in the state on the danger of drug abuse.
Otunba Adewale, chairman of PSN Ogun state chapter, added that as part of it’s activities to commemorate the 2023 World Pharmacist Day the association would also reach out to the Nigeria correctional service, orphanage homes, and give out medications to some communities lacking basic amenities.
According to him, the years celebration with the theme: Pharmacy, Strengthing Health Systems is apt as they need to recognize their roles in improving global health.
โ In recognition of crucial roles Pharmacists play in healthcare administration and promotion, for the 2023 celebration we intend to carry out medical outreaches to key communities in the state where basic necessary investigations, health education and donation of medications will be carried out, we would also be visiting Nigeria Correctional Service and orphanages within the state to show our empathy and support, some of our secondary schools will also be visited for health talk on drug abuse and addiction and of course engagement with the media for continuous education of the populace.
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โ The purpose of celebrating this day is to draw attention to pharmacists in recognizing their role in improving global health. It is also meant to encourage and support actions that promote healthcare worldwide.
โPharmacists are known to assist patients in getting the most out of their medications. We also guide patients on how to take their medications so that they can get well soon and live productive lives.
Adewale demanded suitable recognition and an expansion of their area of activity while stressing the importance of the profession receiving better working conditions.
โCelebrating World Pharmacists Day is a step in acknowledging the efforts of pharmacists and demanding better working conditions and appropriate recognition for the profession.
โIn 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.
โ In most communities, community pharmacy practice is a life-saving stronghold. This sector of the profession strengthens healthcare through providing advice, information and education, triage, screening/testing and referral, administering vaccinations, prescription review, reducing polymedication, and medication follow up to residents.
โ However, there is still a wide range of other needs that can be met by community pharmacists in Nigeria, which would relieve pressure on and save time for other areas of the health system. As the experts on medicines, more pharmacists could be allowed to prescribe and initiate medication.
โPharmacists also have the skills to take on the management of patients with long-term conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and HIV and many community pharmacists have shown tremendous success in this regard
โ Nigeria needs to move in this direction as 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.
The chairman further emphasised that the impact of professionals on their immediate communities cannot be overstated, as it has contributed to the reduction of unemployment.
โTime will fail me to list the amount of jobs being provided by the pharmacy profession in Ogun State through the various pharmaceutical production industries across the length and breath of Ogun State supporting the Growth Agenda of the Prince Dapo Abiodun led administration on its I.S.E.Y.A mantra which encompasses social welfare and wellbeing.
