Dhaka: Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon emphasized the critical role of diploma pharmacists in advancing healthcare services, ensuring the safe management of medicines, and providing quality care at the grassroots level. Speaking at a national discussion held at the Jatiya Press Club, Rumon highlighted the frontline role pharmacists play across all stages, from medicine production to ensuring patients receive the correct dosage and quality drugs.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Rumon underscored the importance of maintaining the professional dignity and legitimate rights of pharmacists, as well as the necessity of providing a suitable working environment to build a modern healthcare system. The discussion, themed 'Role, Rights and Future Course of Action of Diploma Pharmacists in the Health Sector,' saw participation from diploma pharmacists and health experts nationwide.
Rumon noted that while doctors are responsible for diagnosing diseases and prescribing treatments, pharmacists carry the essential technical responsibility of ensuring safe and proper medicine usage. He advocated for the creation of more positions and regular recruitment of diploma pharmacists, particularly in upazila health complexes and rural hospitals, to prevent the deprivation of quality pharmaceutical care for ordinary people.
He assured that the government is attentive to addressing professional disparities and is committed to ensuring appointments based on skills and qualifications. Effective measures, in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, will be enacted to create promotion opportunities, address pay disparities, and improve the working environment for diploma pharmacists.
Speakers at the event highlighted the shortage of pharmacists in both public and private hospitals and put forth several demands. These included the introduction of comprehensive hospital pharmacy management, ensuring medicine distribution through qualified pharmacists, and creating more diploma pharmacist posts at upazila and union-level health centers. They also called for the implementation of the 10th grade, promotion opportunities, and measures to prevent the sale of antibiotics without prescriptions.
The misuse of medicines and the rise of antimicrobial resistance, partly due to the rampant practice of purchasing antibiotics and painkillers without appropriate medical advice, emerged as significant public health concerns during the discussion.
In his closing remarks, Rumon stated that the health sector must evolve to become more digital and technology-friendly to realize a modern and smart Bangladesh. He urged diploma pharmacists to continually update their knowledge and skills to enhance their stature both domestically and internationally.
The event was attended by leaders of the Diploma Pharmacists Association, health sector representatives, officials from professional organizations, and senior journalists.