RC urges action on antimicrobial resistance
MWANZA: PHARMACY professionals in the country have been urged to take immediate measures in addressing the increasing antimicrobial resistance by providing proper education to the public on the safe and appropriate use of medicines.
The call was made yesterday by Mwanza Regional Commissioner, Mr Said Mtanda, when opening the 26th Annual General Meeting of the Tanzania Pharmaceutical Technologists and Assistant Pharmaceutical Technologists Association (TAPHATA) held in Mwanza.
Mr Mtanda said that if appropriate actions are not taken to combat antimicrobial resistance, the world could face more than 10 million deaths annually by 2050, as highlighted in the 2018 World Bank report.
He emphasized the need for pharmacy professionals to take a leading role in public health by educating communities on the importance of proper drug use.
“Ensure that you provide correct information on proper medicine use because you are the frontline health professionals responsible for this,” said Mtanda.
The RC also urged regulatory authorities and councils overseeing pharmaceutical services to ensure all drug outlets are registered and regularly inspected, and that all health facilitiesboth public and private employ qualified pharmacy personnel as required by national staffing guidelines.
According to him, the sector still faces challenges, including limited employment opportunities, low remuneration in the private sector and weak supervision in drug outlets.
“I call upon the Pharmacy Council and the Office of the Chief Government Pharmacist to work closely with your association to address these challenges so the profession becomes stronger and more impactful to the nation,” he noted.
Mr Mtanda further said the government continues to strengthen human resources in the health sector, revealing that this year alone the Public Service Commission has announced 10,280 new job vacancies*, including positions for pharmaceutical technologists.
He also urged leaders in the association to submit proposals to the ministry on how best to increase employment opportunities and identify critical areas where pharmaceutical expertise is required, as highlighted in their report.
