Programme to equip local pharmacists with knowledge on CM
KUALA LUMPUR: Blackmores Institute, together with the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society ( MPS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia ( UKM) and Taylor’s University, are coming together to lead the national conversation on the use of complementary medicine (CM).
Through the development of a unique, evidencebased healthcare education programme, the collaboration aims to equip Malaysian pharmacists— current and future—with the knowledge and understanding of CM and its beneficial uses alongside conventional medicines.
The use of CM such as herbal medicines, nutritional supplements, and vitamin and mineral supplements is on the rise worldwide to help prevent, treat, or manage illness.
“In Malaysia, research has shown that we are increasingly investing in over-the- counter ( OTC) CMs such as health supplements which, beyond addressing deficiencies, are widely considered to reduce the burden of disease, and enhance quality of life,” said Blackmores Institute director Dr Lesley Braun.
“It is vital that our healthcare professionals can provide the public with clear, evidence-based advice regarding the best way to use these combined methods to improve safety and enhance responsible use of integrative medicine.”
The Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) signing between all four parties signifies the start of the learning journey which will instil pharmacists with the confidence to act as trusted consultants of integrative medicine for consumers across the country.
“Given their pharmacological expertise and distinct relationship with consumers, pharmacists are in a unique position to undertake this pivotal role,” said MPS president Amrahi Buang.
He added that even though many pharmacists have shown interest for additional CM learning, very few have been exposed to formal study on this subject.
“Therefore, this collaboration will provide pharmacists with quality resources and distinct learning opportunities that ultimately could help guide the Malaysian public to reach the best possible health outcomes.”
The programme will be Continuing Professional Development (CPD) accredited, allowing pharmacists to gain additional professional development points as they progress through the programme. With the formalisation of the partnerships, the modules are expected to be launched in mid2017.
UKM and Taylor’s University also provide the programme with distinctive but complementary insights and perspectives, which will help to unify the national understanding of CM and bring a holistic learning process to pharmaceutical students in both public and private universities.
“We understand that pharmacy students need to have CM as an integral part of their training,” said Taylor’s University vicechancellor and president Professor Michael Driscoll.
“We are delighted to be involved as part of this distinguished initiative to help promote CM learning in the pharmacy faculty of all institutions and ensure all students receive empirical insights regarding the use of CM.”
UKM vice- chancellor Professor Dato’ Seri Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali stated that as part of the collaboration, students that are interested in CM will also be provided with the opportunity to further research in this field through the research grants and internships awarded by Blackmores Institute.
“The MoU signing marks the first step in educating pharmacists, both current and future, on the importance of integrative medicine, elevating their roles as trusted consultants to help guide the Malaysian public in their quest for better health.