Degree programme in Pharmacy inevitable – Minister Ramsammy

Source: Guyana Chronicle, 24th June 2008

IN an effort to improve the education level of local pharmacists Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy said the introduction of a degree programme in Pharmacy at the University of Guyana is inevitable.

“It is not whether we will have it or not. It is when we will have it,” he said. Addressing participants Saturday at the Eight Annual Pharmacists Convention hosted by the Guyana Pharmacists’ Association, the Health Minister said he has continuously fought for the introduction of the degree programme at the University.

He noted, however, that in addition to his efforts, there must be a joint effort from members of the profession.

“Engaging the University of Guyana is as much your right and your mandate as much as it is the Minister’s,” said Minister Ramsammy.

In light of the recent call for pharmacists to hold a Bachelor’s Degree to gain entry into the profession, Minister Ramsammy said he would resist this since locally the highest level of education pharmacists are offered is a Diploma.

The Health Minister said that pharmacists who are qualified at a higher level should provide leadership and be part of the overall pharmacy profession in the country and in the Caribbean.

In response to statements that the profession is stagnant, Minister Ramsammy said it is unfair to say that the profession in Guyana has been at a standstill.

“I believe, through the work of the Guyana Pharmacists Association, and now the work of the Guyana Pharmacy Council, the profession has grown, in quality and in numbers,” he said.

He added that the Ministry is cognisant of the fact that migration continues to affect the health sector, since there are opportunities worldwide. He said the Ministry will deal with situations such as this.

The Health Minister noted that the profession is at risk of being overwhelmed by development in other territories as a result of the level of education. He reiterated that Guyana’s education level will have to change.

Minister Ramsammy said that while there are problems with the profession, the country currently has more registered pharmacists than previous years.

At the convention, pharmacists were encouraged to acknowledge the contributions of their colleagues who continue to work tirelessly to ensure pharmaceutical services are provided to the public.

In his message to mark Commonwealth Pharmacy Day, observed on June 16 under the theme ‘Your Pharmacist Cares About You -Preserving Pharmacy Practice in Guyana’, the Health Minister said pharmacists play an integral role in health care in Guyana.

At the convention, there was also a display of local and imported pharmaceutical products by companies such as Pharmagen Enterprises, Twins, and others. (GINA)