Nagaland: Pharmacy united in action for a healthier world

Our Correspondent
Kohima | September 25

The Nagaland State level World Pharmacist Day on the theme, ‘Pharmacy united in action for a healthier world’ was observed today under the aegis of Nagaland Pharmacist Association (NPA) in collaboration with Kohima District Pharmacist Union (KDPU) at CMO Kohima Conference Hall.

Addressing the gathering of pharmacists serving in various health units of Department of Health and Family Welfare (DHFW), Khizoto, District Pharmacy Officer Kohima said the theme aims to highlight pharmacy’s positive impact on health around the world, as well as to strengthen professional solidarity.

The objective is to extend an invitation to colleagues from all areas of the pharmacy profession to join the campaign and demonstrate to the world how we are unified for health, despite and overcoming conflict, various political and cultural perspectives, and economic inequality, he said.

Today is a chance to emphasise the importance of the pharmacist profession-related responsibilities, without which there could be no comprehensive patient care, he said.

Expressing that a pharmacist’s responsibility is more than just a job, he said that it’s a way of life while the welfare of the patient is of utmost importance to them.

Saying that the profession of a pharmacist has changed over the centuries and today they are mainly limited to medicines, he said. It now covers the preparation, production, analysis, and storage of pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies, he said.

Maintaining that pharmacists perform multiple vital duties, he said adding that their tasks include finding the proper medication for patients, administering replenishment and refilling of medications, and monitoring pharmaceutical expiration dates.

The pharmacy education as well as pharmaceutical industry in our country has witnessed tremendous expansion in the last one century, he said.

Technological advancements, sociopolitical changes, the end of deference, increased access to information, and a shift to multi-disciplinary working all imply that the way pharmacists work will need to change, he said.

Pointing out that the limited public awareness of pharmacy services is a current challenge for pharmacies in the State health system, he recommended that both government and non-governmental organizations in pharmacists’ profession must collaborate to achieve the welfare goals for the pharmacist.

He also suggested that the government must shift the mindset to have a more balanced curriculum that fosters the competency of pharmacist profession in order to empower pharmacists to further define roles in the health care system in the State.

Deputy Drug Controller, DFHW, Lithungo stressed on the need to upgrade the pharmacist profession in the State.
Stating that mere acquiring a degree is not enough, he called upon pharmacists to continue to learn to equip themselves.

He also challenged pharmacists to remain alert and report poor quality drugs while also disseminating health care knowledge and awareness on food habits to avoid sickness.

Drug Inspector Kohima, Ethungbemo Ezung and Deputy Director Pharmacy Khele Thorie also exhorted the gathering.

Chaired by Pharmacist (AYUSH) DHFW Sezovonuo Tetso, the programme commenced with prayer by Aloni Shijoh while Pharmacist DHFW and president KDPU Kiyekhu Chophy delivered the welcome address, Pharmacist DFWH and NPA president Libonthung R Shitiri tendered the vote of thanks and Pharmacist NSACS, DFHW Jentinochet Amri enthralled the gathering with special number.