Tanzania marks the World Pharmacists Day, insists on proper use of available medicines

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Chief Pharmacist of the Government, Dr Daudi Msasi, has urged pharmacists across the country to broaden their professional focus by paying greater attention to the proper use of medicines and patients’ treatment outcomes, rather than concentrating primarily on ensuring the availability of medicines.

Dr Msasi made the remarks during the commemoration of World Pharmacists Day, observed annually on September 25, alongside a conference bringing together pharmacists and stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector.

He said that while pharmacists must continue to ensure the availability of medicines, they should also assess whether patients are receiving the right medicines, at the correct dosage and for the appropriate duration, while monitoring whether the medicines are producing the intended treatment outcomes.

“We need to ask ourselves whether a patient is receiving the right medicine, at the right dosage and for the right duration, but we must also assess whether the use of that medicine is producing the intended outcome,” Dr Msasi said.

He said the pharmacy profession should go beyond medicine management and focus on developing systems that ensure patients receive safe, appropriate and timely care.

Dr Msasi also stressed the importance of pharmacists continuing to study and expand their knowledge of the medicines they manage in order to improve the quality of services provided to patients.

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He further emphasised the implementation of Clinical Pharmacy Services (CPS) in health facilities, saying the services would provide clear guidance on how pharmacists should participate in patient care and help ensure consistency in service delivery across different health facilities.

For his part, Tanzania Pharmaceutical Society President Fadhili Ezekia said the World Pharmacists Day celebrations and conference provide an opportunity for professionals and stakeholders to discuss how pharmacists can play a greater role in integrated healthcare services to improve health outcomes for citizens.

Meanwhile, Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC) Executive Director Peter Maduki said the organisation contributes to strengthening the pharmacy profession in Tanzania by providing training through both government and private pharmacy colleges.

He said the initiative aims to ensure the country has pharmacists with the skills and competencies required to provide quality healthcare services.

This year’s World Pharmacists Day is being observed under the theme: “Empowering Pharmacists for a Better Tomorrow.”