Educating pharmacists
> Blackmores Institute has initiated a programme to enhance the knowledge and understanding of complementary medicine among those in this profession
complementary medical therapies that may be used alongside western medicine in the treatment of diseases and illnesses.
Complementary medicine, in this context, only includes standardised packaged products used to prevent, treat or manage health conditions such as herbal medicines, as well as nutritional, vitamin and mineral supplements.
This programme will be CPD (continuing professional development)-accredited, allowing pharmacists to gain additional professional development points as they progress.
With the formalisation of the partnerships, the modules are expected to be launched in the middle of this year.
MPS president Amrahi Buang said: “Given their pharmacological expertise and distinct relationship with consumers, pharmacists are in a unique position to undertake this pivotal role.”
He added that even though many pharmacists have shown interest for additional complementary medicine 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,” said Amrahi.
“The programme will help enhance pharmacists’ knowledge and their contribution to society, which is in line with MPS’ 50th anniversary theme of ‘My Society, My Passion’.”
UKM and Taylor’s University will serve to provide insights and perspectives into the understanding of complementary medicine and bring a holistic learning process for pharmaceutical students in both public and private universities.
Taylor’s University vicechancellor and president Prof Michael Driscoll said: “We understand that pharmacy students need to have complementary medicine as an integral part of their training.
“We are delighted to be involved in this initiative to help promote complementary medicine learning in the pharmacy faculty of all institutions and ensure all students receive empirical insights regarding the use of complementary medicine.”
UKM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Seri Dr Noor Azlan Ghazali, in a statement, said: “As part of the collaboration, students who are interested in complementary medicine will also be provided with the opportunity to further their research in this field through research grants and internships awarded by Blackmores Institute.”