The Pharmacy Department of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, marked World Pharmacists Day on the 26th of September, 2024. The event, which was held in the seminar room of the Central Pharmacy Building, aimed to provide guidance on potential adverse effects and allergies to drugs.
The event also featured an early morning campaign within the hospital premises to raise awareness for the day. The theme, “Meeting Global Health Needs,” highlighted the expanding roles of pharmacists in addressing current healthcare challenges.
In his welcome speech, Pharm. Victor Adefiwitan, the Director of the Pharmacy Department, congratulated the pharmacists on the opportunity to celebrate World Pharmacists Day. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the staff for their collective efforts in making the event a reality.
Addressing the gathering, Pharm. Obameyegun, the Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN) Chairman, appreciated the dignitaries at the event and encouraged patients to constantly approach pharmacists for necessary clarifications and enquiries. The Head of the Establishment Department, represented by Mr. Lekan Akanbi, congratulated the pharmacists for their commendable work and service to humanity.
The keynote speaker, Pharm. Martins Oyewole passionately advocated for pharmaceutical care to foster collaboration between pharmacists, patients, and other healthcare professionals to ensure desired medication-use outcomes. He reiterated that during the COVID-19 pandemic, community pharmacists played a crucial role in administering the vaccines used to treat infected patients. He also urged pharmacists to remain consistent in their profession.
The event concluded with the presentation of awards to the most diligent intern, Akinwale Isaac, and the most resourceful intern, Okunade Boluwatife. In attendance were Pharm. Kayode Adetona and Mr. Taiwo Adediwura, Secretary of the Senior Staff Association.
Photo credit: Jamiu Badru