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Greater role touted for Guyana’s Pharmacy sector -As ‘Pharmacy Week’ observance gets underway
Guyana’s pharmaceutical sector is being eyed for restructuring in order to give it a greater national role, Director of Pharmacy in the Ministry of Public Health, Mr. Oneil Atkins, has said. Atkins’ disclosure in this regard came late last week ahead of ‘Pharmacy Week’ which Guyana has joined the rest of the world to observe this week.
Pharmacy Director, Mr. Oneil Atkins
According to Atkins, “There is currently active lobbying underway to expand the role of all pharmacy practitioners. However, legislation and regulations must be changed to accommodate this anticipated expanded vision for the sector,” he added.
With restructuring, the Pharmacy Director is convinced that there will be more visibility, accountability and transparency in the pharmaceutical sector.
Under the restructuring plan, there will be 10 Regional Pharmacists – one in each Administrative Region – who will supervise Pharmacists and their Assistants. According to Atkins, a senior pharmacist will also be added to the new organisation structure to buttress the current Director and Deputy Director positions.
Those with the authority to back changes in the pharmaceutical sector are also in dialogue to have specialisation in various clinical areas which includes: critical care, emergency care, oncology and patient care, Atkins revealed.
Turning his attention to Pharmacy Week, Atkins had a message for local practitioners.
“On the occasion of Pharmacy Week, I take this opportunity as Pharmacy Director in the Ministry of Public Health to send warmest congratulations to all practitioners of pharmacy and their assistants for the work done even in less than ideal situations. I have listened to the frustrations of pharmacists, especially in the public sector for remuneration and better working conditions,” said Atkins.
He added, “I can empathise with your situation, but I implore you to continue your good practice.”
He went to plead with pharmacists and pharmacy technicians for their important role in educating patients and promoting safe and effective use of medication.
He said the Ministry is in continuous dialogue with the authorities for an improved package for pharmacists and their assistants.
According to the Pharmacy Director, the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, the Ministry and the Pharmacy Council have ratified a Memorandum of Understanding for pharmacy graduates to undertake internship stints tertiary health institution to make them “work-ready”.
The proposed changes, outlined by Atkins forms part of a wider sector vision by the Public Health Ministry to help ensure access to, and responsible use of, quality medicines without which the local health sector will lose its ability to meet healthcare needs of the 700,000-odd Guyanese population dependent on the system.
Globally, pharmacists have traditionally been known almost exclusively for their reliability. However, in recent years, their drug therapy management services have been gaining recognition through the valuable information they provide patients, enabling them to help improve their lives.
Around the world though, these professionals are growing increasingly worried about the extent of self-medication among the sick and have appealed for patients to show a bit more reverence for them and their profession.
The International Pharmaceutical Federation [FIP] is active across all areas of pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical science and education, initiates and implements numerous activities to help “improve the responsible use of medicines that is making a significant impact within global pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical sciences, education and community health.”
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