LAHORE: Punjab Health Minister Khwaja Imran Nazir has announced that the service structure of the pharmacists will be strengthened and equipped with resources to perform well in a pleasant atmosphere in the health sector.

While addressing the concluding ceremony of three-day 21st International Pharmacy Conference and Exhibition here on Tuesday, he said that the pharmacists were the backbone of the health sector. The event was organized by the Pakistan Pharmacist Association (PPA) at a local hotel.

The theme of this year’s conference ‘The Changing Landscape of Pharmacy Profession – Empowering the Future Generation of Pharmacists’ discussed the evolving role of pharmacists in the healthcare system.

The health minister said that empowering the next generation of pharmacy professionals was not only about equipping them with the latest tools and technologies, but also fostering a sense of responsibility, empathy, and leadership that would guide the healthcare system forward.

“As we draw this remarkable 21st International Pharmacy Conference & Exhibition 2024 to a close, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I reflect on the enlightening discussions, presentations, and exchanges that have taken place over the past days,” says Mr Nazir

He said that from direct patient care to medication management and beyond, pharmacists have been key players in improving health outcomes and ensuring the safety of patients.

The future of pharmacy lies in our ability to adapt, innovate, and collaborate with our healthcare counterparts to meet the complex needs of society, added the health minister.

While appreciating all the speakers, panelists, and participants who have contributed their knowledge and expertise to this conference, he said that their insights are invaluable, and they will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the way we approach pharmacy education, practice, and policy.

He maintained that around 1500 pharmacists and drug inspectors are working in the primary and secondary healthcare department Punjab and more drug officers would be infused to deliver better health service.

Published in Dawn, January 1st, 2025