Pharmacists Enjoin To Embrace Digital Opportunity In Administration Of Health
Pharmacists in Ondo State converge in their numbers on Saturday 7th of October 2023 to deliberate on how to advance the course of the profession for the benefits of masses at all levels.
The event was held at Pharmacy House, Alagbaka Akure under the chairmanship of Senator Bode Olajunoke who was duly represented by Pharmacist Femi Oshati, Executive Director of Vita Fortis based in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu who was represented by Prof. Dayo Faduyile, his special Adviser On health said Ondo State Government under Akeredolu is committed to health and will not relent.
The Governor added that the choice of First Female Pharmacist as the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health has demonstrated that Pharmacists have what it takes to lead saying Pharm Foluke Aladenola is a good ambassador of Pharmacy profession.
He said the present government in the state has approved Pharmacist Consultant to Level 17, assuring them that the Workers Friendly Governor of Ondo State will looks into other requests put before him by the Pharmacists.
He charged the leadership of the Society to embrace the new technology as to help in galvanizing the development of pharmacy profession.
An eminent Professor of note, Prof. Abiodun Ogundaini delivered key note speech on the Theme: “Pharmacy From Generation to Generation”.
Prof Ogundaini said in spite of the benefits of digital and online pharmacy, quacks and unprofessionals should not be allowed to take over the industry, saying it must strictly be operated by qualified Pharmacists.
On her part, the representative of the Head of Service, Pharm Foluke Aladenola congratulated Pharmacists in the state for a successful event that saying Arakunrin Akeredolu led administration will continue to prioritize the welfare of Pharmacists in the state.
The HoS commended the appointment of first female Pharmacist as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and that she has been living up to expectations.
the Chairman of the occasion, Senator Bode Olajumoke who was represented by Femi Oshati commended the giant strides of PSN on the building of Faculty of Pharmacy at UNIMED while tasking well-to-do sons and daughters of the state to support the project.
Earlier, his welcome the State Chairman of PSN, Pharm. Akindeko Eniola Robinson said that the focus of the event was to seek donations towards the ongoing project of Olu Akinkugbe Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo saying that it’s only Ondo State University that has no Faculty of Pharmacy .
Pharm Akindeko said the annual event was a celebration of the relentless contributions of Pharmacists towards the upliftment of their noble profession despite the current challenges in the country.
” Our Legacy Project, to support the establishment of the Faculty of Pharmacy, embodies our commitment to giving back to the community we passionately serve. Ondo State despite its rich heritage and vibrant communities had been without a College of Pharmacy until now”.
While speaking on his achievements in the last two and half years of holding sway as the Chairman, Pharm Akindeko said under his led State Executives procured 45KV Power Generating Set and embarked on the commercialization of the Pharmacy House.
He added that they fostered collaborations with Governmental and Non Governmental Agencies aiming at fruitful relationships, prioritized professional development through lectures and various initiatives.
” We are proud to support two young Community Pharmacists with financial assistance to bolster their practices, screening Pharmacists who have passed the stage one of the West Africa Postgraduate College of Pharmacists”.
Akindeko said his leadership has strived to advance Career Progression for Pharmacists in public service to Grade Level 17, though not yet materialize while requesting the State Governor to approve Grade Level 17 grade for other Pharmacists just as their Consultant Counterpart as it is done in other states.
He urged Pharmacists in the state to be united and collectively uphold the ethics, standards and values that define them as Pharmacists.
He thanked members of the society for the privilege to serve them diligently saying leading PSN is far more valuable to him than material gain.
” I want to acknowledge that serving as Chairman comes with its challenges and sacrifices. However, my commitment to upholding integrity and dedicated service has remained steadfast”.
As part of the highlight of the Programme was the fund raising for Olu Akinkugbe Faculty of Pharmacy Project and presentation of Awards to some important people.