World Pharmacists Day: Health Ministry’s Silence, a Bitter Pill to Swallow

The vital role of pharmacists in the healthcare system has gained increasing recognition globally, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Ashwin Dookun and Siddique Khodabocus. However, this acknowledgment has not been mirrored in Mauritius, where the president of the Pharmaceutical Association of Mauritius (PAM) expressed deep disappointment over the lack of response from the Ministry of Health.

On September 25, as World Pharmacists Day was observed, Ashwin Dookun lamented the silence from health authorities.

“We feel a profound sense of disgust,” he stated, criticizing the absence of communication and initiatives on this significant day dedicated to pharmacists.

This year’s theme, “Pharmacists: Responding to Global Health Needs,” underscoring the increasing importance of their role in the healthcare landscape.

Dookun noted that in Mauritius, pharmacists, particularly in the private sector, feel “undervalued.” He pointed out that the silence is particularly regrettable as many pharmacists also serve in the public sector.

“Globally, there is an increasing integration of pharmacists into both public and private healthcare systems to alleviate pressure on healthcare staff.

However, this progress has not been realized in Mauritius,” he observed.

He explained that in several countries, pharmacists are authorized to administer injections, including vaccinations, and to prescribe medications.

“The world is evolving, but here, we are regressing,” Dookun remarked.

He expressed disappointment that no activities were organized to commemorate World Pharmacists Day, which further fueled the feelings of discontent among professionals in the field.

Dookun emphasized that pharmacists are not to blame for the rising costs of medications, which are already expensive at the source.

He argued that government measures have disproportionately impacted private sector pharmacists.

“For all the services we provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, including keeping pharmacies open to ensure the public had access to essential medications, there has been no recognition of our efforts,” he lamented.

Essential Role of Pharmacists

Siddique Khodabocus, president of the Pharmacy Council (PC), echoed Dookun’s sentiments by highlighting the essential role pharmacists play not only in distributing medications but also in providing crucial health advice.

“Pharmacists can significantly contribute to controlling epidemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic,” he asserted, advocating for an expansion of services provided by pharmacists.

In collaboration with the JSS Academy, training sessions have been launched to equip pharmacists to administer subcutaneous injections and vaccines.

These sessions are conducted in small groups. Looking ahead, pharmacists will also receive training in first aid to respond effectively to emergencies like heart attacks or strokes.

“We encourage pharmacists to take advantage of these opportunities to enhance their skills in order to better serve patients,” Khodabocus emphasized.

He noted that as the role of pharmacists evolves, they must be prepared to offer a broader array of services to patients, particularly those who prefer private healthcare, despite the availability of a free public health system.

“Pharmacies are owned by pharmacists, but healthcare is universal,” he remarked.

Dookun highlighted that pharmacists are a crucial component of the healthcare system, as they are trained professionals capable of delivering quality services.

“Pharmacists are disheartened by the Ministry of Health’s attitude, especially considering they have not received any recognition post-COVID-19, unlike other health professionals who did not work directly during the pandemic,” he stated.

Despite this situation, he reaffirmed that their commitment to the community remains steadfast.

He announced plans for an event in collaboration with the JSS Academy next weekend.

World Pharmacists Day Theme

The theme for this year’s World Pharmacists Day, “Pharmacists: Responding to Global Health Needs,” is organized by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

The day aims to honor pharmacists’ crucial role in building healthier communities worldwide.

“Pharmacists are an integral part of our healthcare systems, often serving as the first point of contact for health advice and primary healthcare,” the WHO noted.

According to the organization, pharmacists meet the health needs of populations in various ways, including ensuring access to essential medications and medical devices, conducting diagnostic tests, and providing health-related guidance.

The WHO also highlighted that pharmacists contribute to disease prevention through vaccination, health screenings, patient education, and enhancing public health knowledge.

Additionally, they support public health campaigns, participate in research and development of new medications, and play a key role in pharmacovigilance.

Pharmacists are remaining at the forefront of addressing regional and global health crises, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO affirmed.

Source: Defi Media