Each year, on 25 September, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) commemorates World Pharmacists Day. ‘Pharmacy united in action for a healthier world’ was the theme of World Pharmacists Day 2022, which aimed to showcase pharmacy’s positive impact on health around the world and further strengthen solidarity among the profession. The pharmaceutical profession around the world was instrumental in providing direct patient care and performing frontline duties for their communities during the challenging times of the pandemic.
To commemorate World Pharmacists Day, the Department of Pharmacy of the University of Malta organised an event on 26 September, in collaboration with the Malta Pharmaceutical Students Association (MPSA) and Mater Dei Hospital (MDH) Pharmacy. The event was addressed by Hon. Minister Mr Jo-Etienne Abela, Minister for Active Ageing, and Professor Tanya Sammut Bonnici, Pro-Rector, Strategy and Enterprise, MPSA president Tamara Attard and Professor Lilian M. Azzopardi, Head of the Department of Pharmacy. Minister Jo-Etienne Abela highlighted the contribution by the pharmaceutical profession within interprofessional teams as they contribute to safe, quality and effective use of medicines.
Professor Sammut Bonnici reflected on how the Department of Pharmacy is contributing towards themes of the University of Malta Strategic Plan in areas of learning and teaching, research, societal and national impact, enterprise and international outlook.
The programme included a panel discussion with stakeholders from different sectors of the pharmaceutical profession, namely Stephen Falzon, Head of MDH Pharmacy, community pharmacist Dr Catherine Anne Busuttil, and pharmaceutical technologist and Qualified Person Andrew Cauchi, who provided reflections on their professional experience. The pharmaceutical student pledge of professionalism was recited as the event coincided with commencement of the academic year.
As an outreach activity, which was supported by Brown’s, Chemimart, Cherubino, EuroPharma, Orme Scientific Ltd, Technopharma (Bionime) and Vivian Corporation, point-of-care blood glucose testing and blood pressure measurement was offered to the general public in the MDH foyer.
