Students mark Pharmacy Day

Youth & Careers

WORKING as a pharmacist is new to Papua New Guinea, says the president of the Pharmaceutical Students’ Society of PNG Phil Vali.
He was speaking during World Pharmacy Day on Sept 25.
Pharmaceutical students from the University of PNG celebrated the day at Vision City Mega Mall in Port Moresby. They put up an exhibition and awareness campaign on selected health issues affecting the country, includingdiabetes, counterfeit medicine and polio.
“The main aim on World Pharmacy Day was to exhibit the profession and pharmaceutical education in PNG,” Vali said.
“This is to help people better understand the significant roles we play in the country.
“This is not just in hospitals but also managing medicines in the country.
“The event was something new but it was a success. An estimated 200-plus people visited the booth to receive more information on the work of pharmacists and certain health issues.
“Many do not know or understand the work and functions of the pharmacists in the delivery of whole health care in the country.”
The Pharmaceutical Students’ Society plans to host a bigger event next year to commemorate World Pharmacy Day.
According to the World Health Organisation, there are only 19 registered pharmaceutical technicians and assistants in PNG.