Pharmacists urged to uphold professional ethics

Vice Chancellor of Kaduna State University (KASU) Professor Muhammed Tanko, has advised pharmacists across the country to uphold their professional ethics and save the lives of Nigerians. Tanko, who stated this during the pioneer oath-taking/induction of 27 Pharmacy graduands of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kaduna State University (KASU) in Kaduna, noted that strict compliance […]

Vice Chancellor of Kaduna State University (KASU) Professor Muhammed Tanko, has advised pharmacists across the country to uphold their professional ethics and save the lives of Nigerians.

Tanko, who stated this during the pioneer oath-taking/induction of 27 Pharmacy graduands of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kaduna State University (KASU) in Kaduna, noted that strict compliance to the code of ethics is indispensable for the practice of pharmacy profession in the country.

The VC said, “Pharmacists today remain legally responsible for the safe and accurate dispensing of medication most especially ethical medicines, and additional responsibility as integral members of the health care team to educate, monitor and care for patients.”

“As pharmacists, you are expected to get yourselves acquainted with the code of professional ethics which prescribes your professional and moral responsibilities to patients, pharmacist colleagues, other health professionals and the general public,” he added.

The registrar, Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharmacist Elijah Mohammed, told the graduands that the council has institutionalized the continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme to ensure continued relevance of pharmacists in the health sector and governance in general.

Muhammed said the PCN is aware of the challenges posed to pharmacists by the dynamics of practice, technological advancements, increasing disease burdens, adverse drug reactions, drug interactions and drug resistance among others, adding that “Pharmacists’ competency is not only about knowledge and skills, but should include critical thinking and decision making, innovation, social interaction, development leadership skills and inter-professional relationships.”

“This is the third and lifelong phase of pharmacy training, and as lifelong learning process based on the eight star concept of WHO, this indeed is the ticket to the school of life,” he added.