WORLD PHARMACIST DAY 25th SEPTEMBER 2018
“ As designated by the International Pharmaceutical Federation Council several years ago at the FIP Congress in Istanbul, 25 September marks the annual World Pharmacists Day. FIP encourages the world’s pharmacists to use this day to organise activities that promote and advocate for the role of the pharmacist in improving health in every corner of the world.  Therefore, I Syed Sıkandar SHAH (Incharge Pharmacist at Dr. Suat Günsel University of Kyrenia Hospital) is sending a warm greeting to my respective colleagues around the globe. “Pharmacists are your medicines experts” is the core message of this year’s World Pharmacists Day. World Pharmacists Day 2018 will focus on the extensive expertise that pharmacists have and put to use every day to ensure better patient health, says International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) President Dr Carmen Pena.

“This expertise is applied through science and research, through educating the next generation, and through transforming patient needs into services,” says Dr. Pena.

“The theme of World Pharmacists Day emphasises that pharmacists are a trusted source of knowledge and advice, not only for patients but for other healthcare professionals. For every patient who walks into a pharmacy, pharmacists ensure that the right medicine is provided at the right dose and in the most suitable formulation.We work with other healthcare professionals to ensure that every individual receives optimal treatment. Moreover, as one of the most accessible health care professionals globally, we use our learning to protect health and prevent illness,” she adds.

World Pharmacists Day is used by FIP’s members and others around the globe to highlight the value of the pharmacy profession and impact on improving health to authorities, other professions and the media, as well as to the general public.

Top Duties of a Pharmacist
A Pharmacist is one of few medical professionals in the world to whom a patient or anyone else can go for a consultation or advice without an appointment. They are knowledgeable about a myriad of aspects concerning patients and their medication. Some of the key role of Pharmacists are;

Dispense prescriptions:  Most people imagine when they conjure a mental image of a pharmacist counting out tablets, preparing a bottle label and handling medications to patients.

Communicate with prescribers: Any time a prescription order is unclear or potentially harmful for a patient, you need to confirm the dosage and formulation (e.g., liquid or tablet), as well as whether brand name product is required or if you can substitute a generic equivalent.

Ensure patients’ safety: Check each patients’ medication record every time he or she gets a new or refill prescription filled. This is the best way for a pharmacist to prevent potentially dangerous interactions between drugs.

Counsel patients: This involves more than informing about adverse reactions and interactions with other medications, food, alcohol and other beverages like grapefruit juice.

Counseling includes training patients how and when to take doses, following up with patients to see if medications are working, sharing tips on how to minimize side effects while maximizing benefits and listening to all of a patient’s concerns.

Work with patients on general health: Maintaining health requires more than taking prescription medications, Pharmacists can help patients heal and avoid getting sick by sharing advice on using nonprescription remedies, taking health supplements such as vitamins, using herbal and natural health products, exercising and maintaining a good diet.

Manage staff: Pharmacists have the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the “three Rs” of right drug, right patient and right dose. Meeting this responsibility requires overseeing the work of and mentoring pharmacy technicians, student interns and residents. Pharmacy owners and supervisors also have responsibilities for making hiring decisions and setting and enforcing workplace policies.

Perform administrative tasks: Everyone in a pharmacy has some responsibilities for keeping patient files up to date, making sure needed products are stocked and required reports get generated and filed. If you hold a supervisor or management position, you can spend as much or more time on administrative duties as on patient care.

Educate health provider colleagues: This includes providing information to doctors, nurses and other health care providers about new medications and drug therapy protocols.

In last my dear colleagues, you are doing a great job curing illness of people and bringing them health and happiness. Wish you more success on this special day.

Happy Pharmacist day 25th September 2018.”