Pharmacists serve critical function in preserving public health

THE COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the essential role of all categories of health workers, including our pharmacists, to the resilience of the public health system. Like other health staff, pharmacists have been on the front line in the response to the pandemic, helping to safeguard continuity of care to members of the population.

After more than 18 months of the pandemic, Pharmacy Week 2021 – with its theme, ‘Pharmacists: Promoting excellence, empowering the nation’ – provides the opportunity to reflect on the role of our pharmacists and to consider next steps as we seek to improve the delivery of care to the population in the coming months and years.

The Jamaican population continues to grapple with the challenge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension and diabetes, which enhances the vulnerability of the population to poor health outcomes from COVID-19. One in three Jamaicans has hypertension while one in eight has diabetes, with the complications of these diseases, including others such as heart disease, stroke and chronic kidney disease.

From screening to the provision of counselling and education, as well as emphasising adherence to infection prevention and control measures, including vaccination against COVID19, pharmacists serve a critical function i n ensuring the preservation of public health.

I wish the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica, now in existence for more than 90 years, a fantastic week of activities from which the public will doubtlessly benefit.