Leading healthcare provider Hemas Hospitals celebrated World Pharmacists Day, which fell on 25 September, with a special event, organised by its Pharmacy Department, at Hemas Hospital Wattala.
This was the fourth consecutive year in which the Hemas Pharmacy Department was celebrating World Pharmacists Day. This year’s proceedings were held to the theme of ‘Safe and effective medicines for all’. The programme’s organisers sought to underscore and promote the crucial role a pharmacist plays in ensuring patient safety by actively upgrading medication and mitigating its associated shortcomings.
The occasion featured two prominent speakers, the first of whom was Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology Senior Research Scientist Dr. Sanjaya Deepal Bhathige, who spoke on the topic of ‘Nanotechnology: Emerging tool in Biology and Medicine’. Dr. Bhathige, who holds a Special Degree in Chemistry, a Master of Science in Marine Life Sciences and a PhD in Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering, was able to contribute deep and diverse insight on the varying aspects of nanotechnology and its potential to revolutionise the disciplines of medicine and biology.
National STD and AIDS Control Programme Consultant Microbiologist Dr. Jayanthi Elvitigala was the event’s other eminent speaker. She delved into her wealth of experience and expertise to meticulously explain and explore the latest knowledge on antibiotic stewardship.
Among the day’s other highlights was a poster competition held on the theme of ‘Safeguarding patient safety through improving medicines’ use and reducing medication errors’, which attracted the participation of several of the hospital’s staff.
“This year’s World Pharmacists Day celebration was yet again hugely successful and well-attended. The event not only witnessed the exchange of valuable information on the latest trends and innovations in the pharmaceutical world but also served to highlight the important role that pharmacists play in the delivery of care compliant to international standards and global best practices ensuring patient safety,” said Managing Director of Hemas Hospitals and President, Association of Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes Dr. Lakith Peiris.
“In today’s world, a pharmacist is more valuable than ever, with cases of self-medication or overmedication rising alarmingly. Pharmacists rely on their extensive training and knowledge to guarantee that patients derive the greatest benefit from their treatment through safe and responsible access to the medication they require.”
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Council in Istanbul, Turkey officially declared 25 September World Pharmacists Day in 2009. The FIP, an esteemed global health body which represents over four million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, proceeded to encourage pharmacists to use this day to host activities that promote and advocate the role of the pharmacist in improving health in every corner of the world.