Pharmacists to have career structure

Pharmacists' knowledge of medicinal properties put them in a position to help other health professionals tackle patient care, Health Parliamentary Secretary Joe Cassar said.

Speaking at the opening of the annual pharmacy symposium on Monday, Dr Cassar said pharmacy leaders had to take concerted and evidence-based action to steer current policies in the right direction.

"I am pleased to note that my persistence is leading to a broader collaboration between the pharmacy department at Mater Dei Hospital and the University's Pharmacy Department," he said.

He said a working group was preparing a proposed career structure for pharmacists covering all areas of practice within both hospital and clinical pharmacy.

He also urged pharmacy students to consider starting a career within the government pharmaceutical services, saying they would have the opportunity to make use of the skills and competences developed during their studies.

"I would also like to see students encourage others to join the course of pharmacy because pharmacists must become the leaders in pharmacotherapeutics," he said.

Dr Cassar said there were a lot of opportunities to expand the practice of pharmacists within the service and these goals could be reached by having graduates with the drive to contribute to patient care and positive patient outcomes.

"The time when the pharmacist spent hours counting tablets is soon over. Technology is fast replacing these tasks. Pharmacists must grasp the opportunities to get closer to the patients," he said.