Kota Kinabalu: Some 50 pharmacists from both the private and public sectors gathered at the World Pharmacists Day celebration at Taman Rimba Tropika, here.
The World Pharmacists Day theme this year is “Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs.”
The event kicked off at 6am where attendees had the opportunity to participate in various health screenings at six booths, which included blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, muscle and strength testing, as well as a Know Your Medicines session, safe medicine disposal, and information on the importance of avoiding non-registered medicines.
The initiative highlights the crucial role pharmacists play in promoting health and well-being in the community and goal was to emphasise the importance of personal health management, encouraging the public to undergo annual health checks and engage in regular exercise.
Pharmacists are often the first point of contact for patients when dispensing medications, playing a vital role in counseling on proper dosages and promoting lifestyle changes.
Dr Asits
With ischemic heart disease as Malaysia’s leading cause of death and 16.8 pc of Malaysians living with diabetes mellitus, pharmacists are committed to raising health awareness within the community.
No longer confined to behind the counter, pharmacists now actively partner with patients to enhance their health outcomes.
They advocate for the use of authentic medications from trustworthy sources.
This year, they launched the TOBaTS campaign (Refuse Unauthorised Medicines) to combat counterfeit medicines, emphasising the need for vigilance in medication sourcing.
Additionally, a new initiative called MyMediSAFE was introduced, aimed at educating the public on the safe disposal of unused or expired medications at all public hospitals.
This effort seeks to prevent environmental contamination from improper disposal methods, such as flushing drugs down toilets, and promotes sustainability in Malaysia’s water sources.
The booths also featured an exciting A-Med-Zing Race and a coloring corner, designed to engage the public and raise awareness about the proper use of medicines and the vital roles pharmacists play in healthcare.
These interactive activities provided a fun and informative experience for attendees, further emphasising the importance of medication safety and pharmacist involvement in community health.
Through these initiatives, pharmacists are reaffirming their role as essential members of the healthcare profession, dedicated to improving the health and well-being of their communities.
Datuk Dr Asits Sanna, the Sabah State Health Director, was guest of honor, alongside Deputy Health Directors.
