GMU College of Pharmacy hosts conference to drive pharmacists-administered vaccination
Dubai (Press release): With an aim to advance public health, pharmacists across UAE joined hands to develop one more layer of primary prevention by vaccinating people in community pharmacies, wherein a pharmacist-administered vaccination is being considered as a convenient and new gateway for the public to receive immunizations .Gulf Medical University’s College of Pharmacy with the support of Pfizer organized the Middle East Conference on Pharmacist-Administered Vaccination at Shangri-La Hotel Dubai. The event, which acted as a knowledge hub for pharmacy veterans, discussed the latest community pharmacy trends across the globe, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of the model and its role in boosting the healthcare economy.
The event, which included participation from over 350 individuals from pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, academia and government entities, set the scene for widespread adoption of vaccination services by pharmacists. Experts from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and USA, shared experiences, best practices, education and training of pharmacists, government regulations, all backed by research analysis from local, regional and international studies, and its contribution in improving public health. Vaccination services by pharmacists in the community pharmacy setting are changing the face of pharmacy from retail outlets to patient care centers.
Dr. Sherief Khalifa, Dean of the College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, commented on the initiative, “The Middle East Conference on Pharmacist Administered Vaccination is a milestone event marking the expansion of the role of the UAE pharmacist to serve the public and enhance population health. The global and regional support to this initiative has been overwhelming. The cost saving on the country’s healthcare budget adds to the attractiveness of this important and historic initiative. Over the past three years, the College of Pharmacy at Gulf Medical University delivered several workshops and training courses to prepare pharmacists to become immunizers for the COVID and Flu vaccines. We are excited to be part of this initiative and to see the UAE advancing population health and leading the change in the Pharmacy profession.”
Notable speakers at the conference included: Dr Lalila Hussain Al Jasmi, Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE, Professor David Holdford, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA, Prof. Daniel Baker, Washington State University, USA, Dr. Kimberly McKeiman, Washington State University, USA, Dr. Ahmed Aldemerdash, King Saudi University, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Barry Bleidt, Nova Southeastern University, USA, Dr. Ziad A Saleh, Al Ain Pharmacy, UAE, Dr. Rula M Darwish, the University of Jordan, Jordan, Dr Saeed Hussain, Emirates Medical Association, Dr. Amin Elshamy, Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE, Dr. Mira Alhooti, Aster Pharmacy Group, Dr Zakieh Abuekhair, Al Thiqa Pharmacy Group.
Dr. Yasser El Derbashy, Russia and Africa Medical Affairs Lead, Pfizer, commented, "As valuable members of the health care team, pharmacists are well-positioned to advance public health in the communities they serve by providing convenient access to vaccinations. Pfizer is firmly committed to work with governments all around the world as well .as global health partners to achieve an equitable and affordable access for vaccines for all people”
The Middle East Conference on Pharmacist Administered Vaccination is the regions first-of-its kind event, attracting attendees from international academia, local companies, government entities, research analysts and advisors, insurance service providers, as well as officials from the regions regulatory bodies.
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Govt forms 7 empowered groups to devise strategies to tackle impact of West Asia war: PM Modi
New Delhi (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced the constitution of seven empowered groups to deal with potential long-term impacts of the West Asia war and urged states to work with the Centre in a 'Team India' approach to ward off the crisis.
Flagging 'serious side effects of the war', the Prime Minister recalled the national response to COVID-19, when empowered groups of experts had helped address challenges, and said the seven empowered groups will deal with the consequences of war and evolve strategies on fuel, fertilisers, gas, supply chains and inflation.
In a statement in the Rajya Sabha, he reiterated India's position of dialogue and diplomacy as the only solutions to the restoration of peace in West Asia.
He also said India was in constant touch with all parties, including Iran, Israel and the United States, to stress de-escalation.
While admitting to the unprecedented challenges the war is posing for India in terms of supply of essential goods, including crude, gas and fertilisers, the Prime Minister said going forward "self-reliance was the only option".
Acknowledging that the situation is constantly changing, the Prime Minister called upon citizens to remain prepared for every eventuality.
Noting that the war has created a serious energy crisis globally, he also warned miscreants against taking advantage of crisis, and has asked state governments to check black marketing and hoarding.
In such a critical situation, it is essential that a united voice of peace and dialogue goes out to the entire world from this Upper House of India's Parliament, Modi said.
He asserted that the government is trying to procure gas and crude oil from all available sources, and efforts on this front will continue in the coming days to ensure that the common people are not affected.
Modi also said necessary preparations have been made for the adequate supply of fertilisers, as he assured farmers that no burden of war falls upon them.
"The government is working with a comprehensive strategy to address every aspect of this crisis -- be it its short-term, medium-term, or long-term implications," he said.
The government, the Prime Minister said, has already constituted an inter-ministerial group, which meets regularly to assess any difficulties in import-export operations and work on devising necessary solutions.
"Much like the empowered groups, comprising experts and officials, that were formed during the COVID-19 pandemic to tackle challenges across various sectors, seven such new empowered groups were constituted just yesterday.
"These groups will be tasked with taking action, guided by both immediate and long-term strategies, on critical issues, such as supply chains, petroleum and diesel, fertilisers, natural gas, and inflation. I am fully confident that through these collective efforts, we will be able to effectively navigate the prevailing circumstances," Modi said.
Noting that the West Asia crisis is of a unique nature, the Prime Minister said its solutions are being devised in a correspondingly distinct manner.
"We must confront every challenge with patience, restraint, and a calm mind," he said.
He also assured that the safety of lives and livelihood of around one crore Indians in the Gulf countries is also a very big concern for India.
He said around 3,75,000 Indians have returned safely from the Gulf region so far, including 1,000 from Iran.
The Prime Minister noted that the coming period will pose a significant test for the nation, and the cooperation of states will be indispensable for success.
He urged all state governments to ensure that the benefits of the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana continue to reach beneficiaries on time, as crises disproportionately affect the poor, labourers, and migrant workers.
He also called upon them to take proactive steps to put special monitoring mechanisms in place and swift action against complaints of black marketing and hoarding.
"The uninterrupted supply of essential commodities must be the topmost priority for every state, and I earnestly appeal to all state governments to put special arrangements in place to ensure this," he said.
Invoking the spirit of cooperative federalism, the Prime Minister called upon state governments to ensure that India's robust growth trajectory is maintained regardless of the scale of the crisis, and that every necessary step and reform is implemented with speed.
Recalling the exemplary Team India spirit demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Centre and states, despite being governed by different political parties, collaborated seamlessly on testing, vaccination, and the supply of essential goods, the Prime Minister said this same spirit must guide the nation now.
"With the combined efforts of all state governments and the central government, the country will be able to effectively confront this grave global crisis. We must carry forward the same Team India spirit," he asserted.
While cautioning that the adverse effects of this war are very likely to persist for an extended period, he said, "The government is vigilant, it is ready, and it is formulating its strategy and taking every decision with utmost seriousness, the welfare of the people of this country is paramount for us; this is our identity, and this is our strength".
If the West Asia crisis persists for a longer period, serious consequences are imminent, he said, adding that efforts through diplomacy are being made to ensure the safe passage of Indian ships even during the war.
India's aim is the de-escalation of the war and opening of the Strait of Hormuz, he said, adding that the country's attempt is to encourage all sections to peacefully resolve all issues.
He said attacks on commercial ships and the disruption of international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable.
