Bigger role mooted for pharmacists in healthcare
The 9th Pharmaceutical Care Conference has called for increased participation of pharmacists in the healthcare sector in the Sultanate.
The event, which concluded on Wednesday, was organised by the Ministry of Health (MOH), represented by Directorate General of Medical Supplies, at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Osama Babiker, organiser of the conference, said pharmacists can play a better role in the development of healthcare sector. “We aim to have improved pharmacy practices and services of nurses, and involve pharmacists actively in the healthcare sector,” he said. Developing competencies in pharma practices, roadmap for pharmacies and a clear path for pharmacy practice in the country were some of the suggestions made to the ministry. The conference addressed several issues, including the partnership in health care, pharmaceutical considerations for critically ill patients, challenges and opportunities in home care, evidence, contribution and effectiveness of community empowerment interventions to promote and sustain health and wellbeing, and nurses’ role in promoting patient safety.
Prizes for the ‘Best Scientific Poster’ and the ‘Best Booth’ were awarded. Pharmacists and assistant pharmacists were honoured. “I’m participating in the conference for the third time. I can see a steady progress in its contents each year,” said Khalid al Siyabi, a delegate. The conference, held under the theme ‘Towards Professional Excellence in Pharmacy Practice’, was inaugurated on Monday under the patronage of Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al Saidi, Minister of Health. More than 1,000 pharmacists, physicians, nurses and assistant pharmacists from various MOH health institutions along with participants from the GCC countries and worldwide took part.
The event saw sessions on pharmacy practice and health systems. Scientific issues, including best pharmaceutical care practices, Omani pharmacy experiences and outcomes, emergency & disaster preparedness and response plan, were discussed.
It included workshops addressing safety in medication and quality management in the pharmaceutical industry.
Developing competencies in pharma practices, roadmap for pharmacies and a clear path for pharmacy practice in the country were some of the suggestions made to the ministry