Graduate pharmacists to assist in non-communicable diseases control

The Ministry of Health has taken steps to implement a new initiative utilising the skills of graduate pharmacists to educate patients on their prescribed medication and assist in managing non-communicable diseases.

The plan was discussed during a special meeting held at the Ministry of Health and Media between the Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, and the executive committee of the Government Pharmacists’ Association.

The discussions focused on resolving several professional grievances faced by government pharmacists and explored utilising graduate pharmacists under the ministry's 'Arogya Wellness Centre Project' to provide formal guidance to patients on their prescriptions.

According to the Ministry of Health, this initiative will offer an opportunity to deliver the expertise of state university-trained pharmacy graduates directly to the public. Officials emphasised that enhancing patient understanding of their medication will help prevent potential adverse drug reactions and ensure that the full therapeutic outcomes intended by medical practitioners are achieved.

The meeting was attended by the Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Media, Chamika H. Gamage, and Deputy Directors General Dr. Champika Wickramasinghe, Dr. Pradeep Wijesinghe, and U.A.S.H. Sisira Kumara.

The Director of the Primary Health Care Unit, Dr. Sarathchandra Kumarawansa, alongside the President of the Government Pharmacists’ Association, Ajith P. Thilakarathne, and its General Secretary, Chameera Kalhara, were also present.