The Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica (PSJ) has kick-started its 90th anniversary celebrations, announcing the recent acceptance and implementation of the clinical pharmacist post in the public health system; as well as plans to finalise several significant developments related to the profession of pharmacy.

Ainsley G Jones, president of the PSJ, made the announcement at the 90th anniversary launch and thanksgiving breakfast at Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa a week ago. He said the developments represent the fundamental work being executed by the PSJ in the interest of pharmacists and for the benefit of Jamaicans across the island.

Commenting on the acceptance and implementation of the clinical pharmacist post, Jones said, “This is a major development and should prove to be a game changer in assisting the Government to reduce spending on medication therapy. Clinical pharmacists are specialists in the therapeutic use of medicaments, reviewing medication lists in an attempt to prevent medication errors, and they are directly involved in the care of patients by providing information relating to prescribe dosage, side effects, expense, and effectiveness.”

The impending developments comprise the inclusion of pharmacy technicians under the Pharmacy Act and Regulations of 1975; training of pharmacists to administer some vaccines; the initiation of negotiations between the PSJ and local insurance companies relating to the reimbursement of pharmacists for medication management therapy; implementation of the clinical pharmacist post in the public health system; and the beginning of the transformation of “pharmacy house” located at 41 Lady Musgrave Road (PSJ head office) .

“We have been strident in our advocacy for pharmacists and negotiated through two political administrations to ensure that pharmacists had large representation on the Pharmacy Council. We’re elated to have laid the groundwork for these developments which we know will make a remarkable impact as we usher in a new era to deliver the highest quality service,” Jones commented.

He added that the PSJ has been hosting continuing education seminars, workshops, and conferences long before they became compulsory, in an effort to build capacity for members. The PSJ agitated for continuing education to be compulsory for re-registration to be introduced into law. Pharmacists have to register with Pharmacy Council every year in order to practise, and 12 points via continuing education conferences are required by law for re-registration.

The PSJ has achieved regional acclaim as a member of the Caribbean Association of Pharmacists after the body initiated its formation in 1976. Since then, three of the members became president of the group: Dr Ellen Campbell Grizzle, Yvonne Reid, and Dr Grace Allen-Young (deceased).

Other activities scheduled for the 90th anniversary commemoration include:

• A Labour Day community activity on May 23;

• A 90th anniversary conference, a three-day commemorative event to be held June 22 – 24 at the Montego Bay Convention Centre and the Iberostar Rose Hall Hotel; and

• Pharmacy Week Activities November 18 – 24, to include health fairs at locations islandwide, the annual induction and awards ceremony for pharmacists and an open day at Emancipation Park, New Kingston.