Pharmacists and pharmacy dispensers form an essential part of the healthcare infrastructure, contributing to the improvement of overall effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare delivery, Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar said.
The minister said this as the guest of honour during a ceremony held by Jerudong Park Medical Centre (JPMC) yesterday at the Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) to pay tribute to the JPMC pharmacists’ dedication in ensuring patient safety and excellent care, while raising awareness on their roles, responsibilities and expertise to ensure a better health in line with this year’s theme ‘Meeting Global Health Needs.’
Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham as JPMC chairman and executive director said, “Pharmacists are often the trusted source of information for patients, answering questions about medication and guiding patients on how to manage their medication, medical devices and their health. The pharmacists’ expertise in medicine doses, advice on product selection and drug dilution are also valued by doctors and nurses, working together to provide the best possible care to the patients.”
He said one of the most notable aspects of a pharmacist is the collaborative spirit within the team.
“Pharmacists and pharmacy dispensers practice inter professional collaboration with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professional to improve quality of care, tackling complex issues like medication safety surveillance, appropriate use of antimicrobials, medication wastage and electronic medication records,” the minister said.
“This year’s theme ‘Meeting Global Health Needs’ highlights the contribution of pharmacists in enabling access to quality essential health services, ensuring safe and effective medication use, optimise treatment outcomes and promote health literacy in the community.”
He added, “Pharmacists daily empower patients with knowledge about health conditions and medications. This educational role extends beyond patient interactions. It also encompasses training and mentoring of future generations of pharmacists.”
JPMC board members, senior officials from the Ministry of Health, JPMC, PJSC, Gleneagles JPMC, Universiti Brunei Darussalam’s Faculty of Pharmacy and pharmacists from the private sector were also present. The event concluded with the cutting of a cake followed by a tour of the booths and JPMC/PJSC Pharmacy. – James Kon
