Pharmacists are major stakeholders in health services
THE GOVERNMENT congratulates the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica (PSJ) on the important observation of Pharmacy Week 2018 under the theme ‘Access to Pharmacy, Access to Health.’ The role of pharmacists and the services provided by pharmacies are critical to the delivery of healthcare in Jamaica. Indeed, pharmacists are a major stakeholder group in health services.
I commend the professionals in the pharmaceutical sector for fulfilling their mandate of promoting health and serving the society as the profession responsible for the safe use of medication, pharmaceutical devices and services.
The Government, through the Ministry of Health, continues to encourage Jamaicans to embrace healthy lifestyles. However, unfortunately illness and diseases are a reality. It is heartening to know that pharmacists work diligently to safely dispense medication to assist persons back to good health. Many times, the pharmacist acts as an intermediary between doctor and patient, who may need additional information about the prescribed medication on the correct dosage and side effects. Indeed, in addition the pharmacists also offer expert advice in recommending generic alternatives.
The pharmaceutical industry internationally is growing exponentially, with huge financial yields. Jamaica must therefore remain poised to capitalise on this. Our pharmacists are among the best trained and can fit into the pharmaceutical industry in any developed country. The Government is therefore grateful that your members continue to serve our country with the utmost professionalism and commitment.
The Pharmaceutical Society has also partnered with the Government to ensure the transformation of the sector. Continuing education and upskilling of pharmacists is critical to ensure that they are able to keep pace with global trends in the sector. It is therefore timely that your theme this year is ‘Access to Pharmacy, Access to Health.’ This captures the very essence of the work that you do across the island.
Congratulations on marking Pharmacy Week 2018.
I wish you a successful staging of all your events, including the health fair, awards banquet and induction ceremony.
HON. ANDREW HOLNESS, ON, MP
Prime Minister FIRST, I would like to express my gratitude to the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica (PSJ) for inviting me to offer this message for placement in the special supplement to mark Pharmacy Week 2018.
We continue to be mindful that the PSJ is in its 90th year of existence and has coupled this year’s celebration with several special activities to mark the significance of the occasion. One of those activities is the publication of your special supplement during Pharmacy Week to highlight the great work of the PSJ and to honour those among you who continue to perform the Herculean task of maintaining the high reputation of the profession.
As I contemplate my message for this year’s celebration and for inclusion in the special supplement, I want to offer my own words of commendation to the many, who, through their efforts, have made the lives of those served more focused and meaningful. There is no doubt that your dedication and care have improved and brightened the lives of many.
The PSJ remains an important partner in the healthcare delivery system in Jamaica, and by promoting good standards in your professional practice, you have helped to maintain the health and safety of the nation, especially of our children and elderly subgrouping in our population, who have benefited from the many health fairs which the PSJ has staged in many communities across the country. These activities which occur at the dispensaries, in schools or at the health fairs in the communities