EDITORIAL
World Pharmacist day was celebrated with great vigor by honoring
the 20-working pharmacists of KIMS Alshifa hospital on 25th
September 2017, emphasizing the need of upliftment of the professional
standards of Pharmacist. Pharmacists are not given the due respect that they
rightfully deserve, as they work silently behind the scene to keep patients
safe. Need of the hour is to recognize their hard work and contribution towards
the society. Pharmacist day is celebrated worldwide on September
25th of every year and this is the right opportunity to celebrate the one
million registered pharmacists in India who work hard to keep the society
healthy.
A decade ago, Pharmacist involvement was only in the dispensing
section. Times have changed and the professional role of pharmacists has
expanded significantly in recent years. Plethora of pharmacy and clinical
pharmacy programs and courses has been launched in India under PCI, with a
mission to produce qualified pharmacists to cater the demands of ever
increasing population of our country. With the launch of PharmD program in
2008, India witnessed another milestone in the history of pharmacy education.
Despite the introduction of PharmD in the line of pharmacy education, the
presence of clinical pharmacist is negligible to nonexistent in the complex
health care delivery sector. Kerala being best in terms of health and literacy
have whole-heartedly accepted the clinical pharmacists. It is noteworthy
to say that many multi specialty hospitals in Kerala has absorbed clinical
pharmacist to a great extent, but many are still vehement and the apprehension
is still in the air. The plight of clinical pharmacy services in other states
is still worse and needs attention.
Pharmacists in developed countries like USA , Australia and
Europe are highly recognized and appreciated in the health care sector as they
provide drug information to physicians and pharmaceutical care to the patients.
They are also involved in framing various health related policies and protocols
for treating different clinical conditions in day to day practice. Back in
India, the role of clinical pharmacist assisting physician while making
decisions in drug therapy is largely underestimated. The Government authorities
must get involved to standardize the primacy practice and accept the changes
taking place globally in the field of pharmacy and should frame necessary
regulatory guidelines for having qualified clinical practitioners in every
hospital across the state.
Today, the pharmacists are involved in many number of roles
including the research and innovation, manufacture of quality medicines,
providing primary and community health care, supporting and educating fellow
pharmacists etc; which indicates the prominence of pharmacists and highlights
the progress between yesterdays and today’s pharmacist. Every Pharmacist should
continuously strive to improve and uplift the profession of pharmacy, there by
making a conducive environment to work with in the ever-increasing complex
health care delivery sector. Creating a better future for pharmacist is a
requirement that needs to be met and the responsibility solely rely on the hands
of budding pharmacists across India who are considered as the torch bearers and
working force of the future.
This issue covers the highlights of pharmacist day, organized at
KIMS Alshifa hospital along with cancer screening program conducted at Wayanad,
organized by Amina Shajahan. Congratulations to Rosmine Jose and Sherin Maria for
bagging first and third rank at University level. Our alumini Dr. Abin
Chandrakumar, who is currently pursuing his higher studies in Manitoba
University, Canada, has penned an article for our newsletter and I am sure it
would be an interesting article for our readers. Also, Dr. Tony Luke ,
Pulmonologist,Kims Alshifa hospital has
contributed an article on the topic Allergy. Usual articles, and our activities
fill this issue and make this issue a premium one.
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