The first set of Doctor of Pharmacy graduates of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) have been counselled to make the ethics of the profession their watchwords.
This came as the Director General, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
(NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye identified technological disruption, regulatory changes as some of the factors militating against the nation’s path to sustainable healthcare future.
The Registrar, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim Ahmed who gave the advice said observing the profession ethics will help the young pharmacists to successful and excel in their chosen career.
The duo spoke in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital, during the maiden induction ceremony for 95 graduands of Doctors of Pharmacy of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD).
Out of the 95 graduating students inducted by the Council ,9 of them bagged distinctions.
Ahmed who administered Oath on the inductees said, “As you enter the profession of pharmacy, you must always remember ethical responsibility that comes with your licence,.
“One of this, most importantly is integrity, honesty and professionalism , which must guide your practice. Patients trust you with their health, wellbeing and sometimes even with their lives. Upholding the highest ethical standards is not negotiable, it is a duty you must uphold and dissociate yourself from any professional misconduct”.
The NAFDAC boss who was represented at the event by Dr Gbenga Fajemirokun also outlined evolving patient needs as part of the factors saying effective strategies must be adopted to mitigate healthcare system strain in Nigeria.
Delivering the induction lecture, with the theme: “Navigating Tides of Change In A Strained Healthcare System -Pharmacists As Compass To Qualify Care”, she said holistic approach that addresses demographics shift , disease burden, operational inefficiencies and potential external shocks is required to put things in order.
Prof. Adeyeye added said the key strategies include, embracing digital health tools, fostering flexible and adaptable and advocating for policy changes to address resource limitations and increasing demand.”
To navigate the tides, she stressed that embracing digital health and innovation, through the use of technology, will extend care beyond hospital walls, reaching more patients and managing chronic conditions remotely as well as leveraging on data to identify bottlenecks, predict demand and optimize resource allocation for better efficiency.
“Implement strategies to reduce wait times and improve patients flow such as triage systems and digital appointment booking. Invest in preventive measures and public health initiatives to reduce the overall burden on the system and promote healthier communities as patient centred care.
“Develop clear strategies for allocating limited resources to areas with the greatest needs. Advocate for policies that address systemic issues such as funding shortfalls, , workforce shortages and promoting long term sustainability of healthcare system among others.”
In his charge, the founder of the university, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) commended the graduands for their discipline, dedication and hard.
He urged the graduands to be guided by and continually subject themselves to the rules and regulations of the regulating body, PCN.
The legal icon said, “we have distinguished ourselves in inculcating the requisite learning and character in our students. Please, do not depart from the teachings you learnt here, doing that, the future is yours.
“Be good Ambassadors of your university, continue to make use of the ABUAD anthem, AFEISM as your guiding philosophies as you go out.”
Earlier in her address, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde urged the inductees to be compassionate, guided by skill, discipline and ethical conduct in their profession.
She said, “The world you are entering demands professionalism anchored on international best practices . In this age of transnational epidemics, counterfeit medication and rapid pharmaceutical innovation, the pharmacist cannot afford parochial knowledge or ethical lapses. iPhone the value of diligence, accuracy, and empathy.Remain students of life : learning , relearning , and innovating”.
