pandemic and restrictions on gatherings, many organizations including yours have become innovative and creative in the use of technology. Your virtual conference is testament that you have adapted to the times.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica has been a good example of excellence in maintaining the high standard of the profession.

I encourage all pharmacists to maintain the spirit of commitment, dedication and selfless conduct in a critical sector.

Over the years, the Society has been leading transformation in the sector particularly with the establishment of a School of Pharmacy at the University of Technology since 1961. The school established regional and international partnerships and exuded your hard work and dedication to ensure that pharmacists have a large representation on the Pharmacy Council. In that regard, the Government commends the Society as a critical stakeholder in health care.

Through promoting health and wellness, the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica established a National Pharmacy Week Programme where pharmacists are allowed to effectively educate the public on the proper use of prescription medication.

As you continue to uphold your code of ethics and constitution, amid the COVID-19 global pandemic which has impacted all sectors of society, you stage conference under the theme: Access to Pharmacists is Access to Health. I urge you to keep addressing the importance of pharmaceuticals and the National Health Care Delivery Plan of the Government.

I wish you continued success and many more years of providing excellent service in the Jamaican marketplace.

Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, MP Minister of Health and Wellness

The important role that pharmacists play is being highlighted now more than ever. Over the last few months, COVID-19 has posed a serious public health threat, not just for Jamaica, but for countries around the world and without a doubt, in the heights of this crisis, pharmacists have risen to the occasion to form part of the island’s first line of defense.

Pharmacists across the island have had to find new and innovative ways to continue treatment and care, especially for the most vulnerable in our society. With the incorporation of technology, mobile services and other creative methods, you were able to ensure the population remained on therapy, while limiting their exposure to the virus.

This virtual conference is timely, as you explore more new ways to deliver treatment and care and discuss new medical advancements and best practices in the context of this new paradigm. We are relying on your genius to help us chart our way to delivering on the ambition of Jamaica’s Vision 2030 National Development Plan; “to ensure the provision of quality health services and to promote healthy lifestyles and environmental practices,” as we strive to attain and sustain a “healthy people, healthy environment.”

The Government of Jamaica, through the Ministry of Health & Wellness is committed to realising this National Development Plan and has already outlined it in our 10-Year Strategic Plan. This Plan considers and responds to current public health realities, including a sick profile typified by a growing number of Jamaicans with Non-communicable Diseases (NCDS). In addition to the strategic plan, a capital expenditure plan and budget to provide the public health care system with upgraded or otherwise critical, new health facilities and equipment over the next five years was also formulated.

To accomplish all of this, we will need the support and partnership of all our stakeholders, including our pharmacists. We look forward to the outcomes of this meeting of pharmacists and the new ways to advance public health care and treatment for our Jamaican citizens.

All the very best.

The year and decade of promise…2020! Indeed, a warm welcome to a year of great things! This was how I greeted my colleagues at the start of the new year. I am sure you all know what transpired in 2020. This was the year of revisiting how we function, how we adapt to changes, thrive amidst the reality of changes and ultimately accept that which we cannot control. The Year 2020 made me reflect on the words of Professor Wendell

Abel, “it is Okay to be Not Okay”. I am sure we can all agree that the mindset and the spirit within us drives us to not only desire to survive but instead fight and thrive.

To my colleagues, as we care for our patients and families as well as navigate our jobs and fight to protect our businesses let us not overextend ourselves. It is ok to just survive. Despite the realities of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on our families, communities, country and the wider world let me encourage us all to find time to care for those in need and importantly find time to care for ourselves. It is crucial that as we work, we work strategically to establish a solid foundation for others to build on. As we celebrate Pharmacy Week this November 15 to 21, 2020, let me bring your attention to a quote that has brought me much to ponder - “We are born without bringing anything. We die without taking anything. Absolutely nothing! And the sad thing is that in the interval between LIFE and DEATH, we fight for WHAT WE DID NOT BRING and WHAT WE WILL NOT TAKE.” It is my hope that as we engage in the journey of this life that we develop the right perspective. Let me encourage you all to do the best you can with the little or much you have because all is vanity.

This year’s celebration of Pharmacy Week and the 35th Annual Conference has been adapted to the prevailing conditions and Covid-19 restrictions. It has propelled the society into the Virtual format which has opened tremendous opportunities for our global reach and connecting with colleagues from around the world. Speakers and participants are joining from the Caribbean, America, Canada, United Kingdom, and other areas of the world. We are pleased that we can make this connection. At our virtual sessions I am looking forward to the networking and support provided for members, exploring new and emerging technologies impacting our profession and of course the exchange of new ideas. I am sure we will miss our hugs and live fellowshipping that our usual face to face gatherings permit. But this should not colour our experience this year during both Pharmacy Week and at our Virtual (Annual) Conference.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica (PSJ) remains a solid support for its members. Over the past two years this Executive has advocated for, or raised the issues some of which are summarized below: • The building of relationships within our pharmacy community with improvements in regional collaboration.

• Advancing the agenda of Medication Therapy Management (MTM) by forging stronger association with the National Health Fund (NHF). This has seen the launch of a research initiative. • The monetizing of specialized pharmacy services.

• The development of policies and legal framework to accommodate Electronic prescribing (E-prescribing). • Explore the impact of the internet and social media on Pharmacy practice.

• The regulation of the dispensing of medicines from doctor’s offices. • Improving Pharmacovigilance with the prevention or reduction in the threat posed from the sale of counterfeit medication. • Raise awareness of the impact of drug shortages as was recently seen in the media where we advocated for the availability of the drug Remdesivir.

• Raise funds through our 5K and PSJ Covid Care projects. Such funds were used to assist University students, several homes, organizations and individuals affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Continued on Page 6...