PH needs more pharmacists

DAVAO. PPhA said the country still lacks licensed pharmacists in the field which is why even if the law requires only one pharmacist on duty in every one pharmacy, some could still not follow the requirement to operate. (Photo by Lyka Casamayor)
DAVAO. PPhA said the country still lacks licensed pharmacists in the field which is why even if the law requires only one pharmacist on duty in every one pharmacy, some could still not follow the requirement to operate. (Photo by Lyka Casamayor)

THE Philippine Pharmacists Association Inc. (PPhA) reported that around 50,000 licensed pharmacists are on their list as of February 2019, however, only 23,500 are active or practicing in the field.

With this, PPhA said the country still lack licensed pharmacists in the field which is why even if the law requires only one pharmacist on duty in each pharmacy, some could still not follow the requirement to operate.

“We do not have enough pharmacists na lahat ng pasyente will be served by a pharmacist that is why we have pharmacy assistants and we need to train them,” PPHA public relations officer Bryan Posadas said during the press conference at the Davao Convention Center Tuesday, April 30.

Professional Regulatory Board of Pharmacy member Adelina Royo said their job is to monitor each pharmacy and make sure that at least one licensed pharmacist is on duty to give recommendation to clients and supervise pharmacy assistants.

Republic Act No. 5921 or the Pharmacy Law stated in section 27 that “every pharmacy, drugstore or hospital pharmacy whether owned by the government or a private person or firm shall at all times when open for business be under the personal and immediate supervision of a registered pharmacist”. It further stated that in cases where a drug establishment operates in more than one shift, each shift must be under the supervision and control of a registered pharmacist.

Posadas said pharmacists play an important role in the society.

The 2019 PPhA National Convention held in Davao City from April 30 to May 4 will help around 4,000 pharmacists to showcase their role in improving health care.

Trade exhibits will highlight leading programs by pharmacists that contribute to the upholding standards if antimicrobial stewardship, rational use of medicines and medication adherence.

“The pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals in the community and we will always be ready to answer questions regarding medication in order to maximize or achieve the medication outcome of the patients. And for this convention, all issues like these are expected to be tackled,” 2019 PPhA NatCon overall chair Ma. Gilda Sebua-Saljay said.

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