Inadequate training, poor remuneration and emigration for better opportunities have been identified as part of challenges facing global pharmacy workforce, resulting in shortage of personnel in low and middle-income countries.

 

A resource person at the maiden induction ceremony of pharmacy graduates of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Pharmacist Valentine Okelu, disclosed these in a keynote address titled, “Global pharmacy workforce: Trends and Challenges.

 

He listed other challenges to include significant skills gaps in emerging areas of pharmacy practice, lack of training opportunities for pharmacists, regulatory barriers that limit the ability of pharmacists to expand scope of practice, increasing emphasis on collaborative care, and the growing need for pharmacists to take on expanded roles in healthcare like providing vaccinations, conducting medication reviews and managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.

 

To address these and other challenges, Pharmacist Okelu, called for a multifaceted approach that involves policymakers, regulators, educators, professional associations, including the pharmacists themselves.

 

On how young pharmacy graduates can surmount the challenges and align with trends in the industry workforce, the resource person recommended continuing education-to equip selves with knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a patient-centered and technology-driven healthcare system prone to global influences, collaboration with other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care, as well as innovation to be able to adapt to the changing healthcare landscape and be willing to embrace new technologies to improve patient care.

 

Contributing, the Registrar, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, PCN, Pharmacist Ibrahim Ahmed, represented by Head of Department of Education and Training, PCN, Dr. Anthony Idoko, said the council is aware of the challenges posed to pharmacists by the dynamics of practice, technological advancements, increasing disease burdens, adverse drug reactions, among others, adding that the PCN institutionalized Continuing Professional Development, CPD, programme to ensure proficiency and continued relevance of pharmacists in healthcare team, with patients in focus.

 

He explained that implementation of the CPD programme is in line with resolutions of the World Health Organization, WHO, and the directive of the Federal Ministry of Health issued at maiden health summit in 1996.

 

Anambra State Chairman of All-Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Sir Nobert Obi, Deputy Director, News and Current Affairs Department, Anambra Broadcasting Service, ABS, Mrs. Chinyelu Obiejesi, among other parents of the inductees, attended the ceremony held at the Igbariam Campus of the university.