Pharmaceuticals Society of Zambia successfully holds 2nd Annual Pharmacy Research Conference

The conference served as a platform for exchange of ideas and information. The conference was held under the theme; ‘Strengthening the role of Pharmacy in improving quality health services through research.’ THE Pharmaceuticals Society of Zambia (PSZ) has successfully held its second Annual Pharmacy Research Conference under the theme ‘Strengthening the role of Pharmacy in improving quality health services through research.’

Speaking during the conference which was held at Lusaka’s Cresta Golf View Hotel yesterday, PSZ President Liyoka Liyoka expressed happiness at the support and commitment shown by Pharmacists and Medical practitioners towards the activities of the Society.

“We are happy to see that the support from our Pharmacists and Medical practitioners has increased this year including an improvement in the quality and content of the presentations,” he said.

Mr. Liyoka also noted that the Conference was an important platform for the country’s Pharmacists and Medical practitioners to discuss ways in which they can improve their professional practice.

He added that the conference also aimed at addressing some of the challenges Pharmacists and Medical practitioners were facing as well as finding possible ways of overcoming these challenges.

“The conference serves as a platform for exchange of ideas and information and it is only by working together that we can find a way forward,” he explained.

Mr. Liyoka emphasised the critical role that Pharmacists and Medical practitioners play in the development process of the country through the provision quality health care.

Meanwhile, Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) product registration officer Constance Chisha said it was important for Medical Practitioners to closely monitor the side effects of the drugs they administered to their patients.

“Each patient reacts differently to drugs and some may have side effects while others might not,” she explained.

Mrs. Chisha advised that it was important for Medical Practitioners to give reports on how their patients were faring to ZAMRA products in order for the authority to effectively assess some of the medicines being registered.