News

Stakeholders Emphasize Collaboration And Innovation In Pharmacy For Universal Health Coverage

Published

9 months ago

Feb 14, 2024.

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Heads of Pharmacy Units in the Lagos State Public Service gathered at Orchid Hotels, Lekki, for a three-day summit aimed at addressing challenges and exploring new trends in pharmacy practice to advance universal health coverage.

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The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policy makers, regulators, pharmacists, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare professionals.

During the opening ceremony, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, delivered a keynote address focused on achieving universal health coverage through new trends in pharmacy.

She stressed the pivotal role of pharmacy in healthcare delivery and highlighted the transformative potential of digital health technologies and e-pharmacy solutions, especially in remote areas.

Dr. Ogunyemi emphasized the need for collaboration, innovation, and excellence in pharmaceutical practices.

“Achieving universal health coverage requires collaboration, innovation, and excellence in pharmaceutical practices,” said Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi.

The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, echoed the call for collaboration and emphasized the importance of tighter regulations in the pharmacy sector.

He advocated for local solutions to address challenges, emphasizing the significance of the State Drug Revolving Fund (SDRF) and the need for its survival.

Dr. Ogboye addressed issues related to prescription practices, the authenticity of medications, and the proliferation of fake drugs, urging pharmacists to play an active role in regulation.

“We need local solutions and tighter regulations to address challenges in the pharmacy sector,” stated Dr. Olusegun Ogboye.

The summit also tackled the lingering issue of consultant pharmacists, with Dr. Ogboye expressing hope for a resolution through continued engagement between leadership and stakeholders.

The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, emphasized the pivotal role of pharmaceutical services in primary healthcare delivery, celebrating achievements in implementing the Sustainable Drug Revolving Scheme (SDRF).

In her remarks, the Director of Pharmaceutical Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Pharm. Oyebisi Omolambe, highlighted the importance of the summit as a platform for meaningful engagement, idea exchange, and networking.

She encouraged active participation, emphasizing the alignment of the summit’s objectives with the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

As discussions continue, the collaborative efforts and innovative solutions forged during the summit are expected to have a lasting impact on healthcare access and quality for all residents of Lagos State.