AKHA Speaker Commends Nigerian Pharmacists on Optimum Service to Nation
By Unyime BASSEY
Uyo
The Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elder Udem Otong, has commended the magnanimous contributions made by pharmacists in the State towards safeguarding the lives of Akwa Ibom State citizenry.
He also noted that through the effective discharge of their delicate duties, which anchors prominently on the prescription of appropriate drugs to patients and providing them with the useful information and advice, amongst others, it has drastically helped to reduce the mortality rate in the state.
Otong, represented by the Chairman House Committee on Health and Member representing Ibiono Ibom State Constituency in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Moses Essien, made the commendation today during 2023 Pharmacy Week, organized by the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, held at Helena Event Center, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Describing pharmacists as the key players that ensure better healthcare delivery in any healthy society, Speaker Otong, said "patients tend to improve optimally when pharmacists are involved in the process of their wellbeing".
As a Lawmaker whose cardinal mandate revolves around making laws capable of strengthening and facilitating the pharmaceutical practice, he assured them of the Assembly's readiness to assist in the fight against dispensation of illicit drugs.
"As lawmakers, our responsibility is to make laws that can help the pharmacy in strengthening the health system of Akwa Ibom State people. We know the challenges faced by pharmacists in the State; ranging dispensation of fake drugs by non-professionals. It behooves the Lawmaker to liaise with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria to make laws that can fight against all manners of illegal practices regarding this noble profession". Otong said.
He also appealed to the pharmacists not to allow their underpayment to affect the quality services that they offer to humanity.
In her address, the State Chairman of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Abasiama Uwatt, who thanked the guests for honouring the event, identified the high cost of importation of drugs into the country as a major pitfall faced by them in the last 12 months. She said the theme of the event aimed at increasing awareness of Pharmacists as an intelligent solution in the healthcare system.
Prof. Noel Wannang, the keynote speaker at the event, called for ample self development and training of the pharmacists in the relevant areas to further strengthen their confidence in the profession. This, he assured would help to better address some irregularities as well as add values to the profession.
While describing pharmaceutical practice in Akwa Ibom State as "a classic and model" to other states, he urged the healthcare practitioners to concentrate more on the safety of the patients as well as involving in the policy making and governance of the state for the betterment of humanity.
Earlier, the Chairman, Planning Committee, Pharm. Dighenyong Sam Udiminune, said the year's theme of the event, was structured "to emphasize the essence of pharmacists and pharmacy professionals in enhancing and fortifying care systems on a global scale".
The event, which had as its theme "Pharmacists Strengthening Health Systems", featured goodwill messages from other related authorities.
