The Star Malaysia - Star2

Be a medicine expert

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Lack of awareness and improper use of medicines are not only detrimenta­l to the health of the public at large but a nation’s economy as well. Over half of all medicines worldwide are prescribed, dispensed, or sold inappropri­ately, thus impacting at least 50% of patients, according to the World Health Organizati­on (WHO).

as a result, consumer awareness on the rational use of medicines became one of the National Drug Policy’s objectives.

The role of the pharmacist – the medicine expert – on the safe use of medicines has become a priority since the emergence of the healthcare system.

UcSI University – the nation’s No.1 private university – organises the annual “know Your Medicine” programme with the Health Ministry (MOH).

On March 16, a public talk titled “The truth about supplement­s” was given by the Pharmacy Practice and Developmen­t section of MOH, which emphasised the role of pharmacist as medicine expert.

UcSIPharmc­are also conducted “know Your Medicine awareness campaign” on Feb 23 at orphanages to increase the awareness of appropriat­e use of medicines.

These milestones are closely monitored by the Faculty Dean, assistant Professor Dr Mogana Sundari Rajagopal. She is also focused on nurturing the next generation of profession­al pharmacist­s with innovative pharmacy practice, ethics and life-long learning – an endeavour that is championed by all the lecturers.

“at UcSI, our lecturers constantly incorporat­e the latest drug developmen­t and handson techniques in their teaching and learning activities. This experienti­al learning inspires the students to do more by reaching out to the community,” she said.

The faculty also stands out for its 20-year track record of excellence – one that has seen it graduating more than 1,300 pharmacist­s who have charted successful career paths at renowned pharmaceut­ical companies and hospitals. The faculty also offers research attachment­s at University of chicago, University of British columbia and Nihon Pharmaceut­ical University amongst others. The faculty caters for Provisiona­lly Registered Pharmacist (PRP) training in the area of research and developmen­t.

Scholarshi­ps, education grants and financial assistance are offered to deserving students.

■ For more enquiries, contact UcSI’s Student Enrolment centre at 03-9101 8882.

 ??  ?? Patient counsellin­g and Brown Bag Medication check-up conducted by a registered pharmacist.
Patient counsellin­g and Brown Bag Medication check-up conducted by a registered pharmacist.
 ??  ?? Theme games were conducted by the Ministry of health.
Theme games were conducted by the Ministry of health.

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