(FP)
Senior Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Anton Best, has emphasised the importance of using information technology to improve pharmaceutical care.
He proffered this view recently while delivering remarks on behalf of Minister of Health, John Boyce, at a ceremony to launch Pharmacy Week under the theme: Bridging the Gap – Pharmacists, Past, Present and Future – Ensuring Excellence, at the Savannah Hotel.
Emphasising that pharmacists were now required to ensure that health care was delivered in a manner that was efficacious, safe and cost-effective, Dr. Best said improved efficiencies could result from the use of MedData and the Health Information System, which is currently being implemented throughout Ministry of Health institutions.
He pointed out that Barbados can boast of a well-structured pharmacy profession and despite the many changes over the years, there were “some noteworthy attributes and practices which remain unchanged”.
“These changes include the focus on counselling patients; recommending over-the-counter remedies for minor problems; and making patients’ needs paramount,” Dr. Best emphasised.
The Senior Medical Officer mentioned the Ministry’s work in improving the current landscape of health in Barbados and the pharmacists’ role in this regard.
“As pharmacists, you are well positioned to promote healthier living through lifestyle modification, early screening for chronic diseases and for those who already have a chronic illness, helping them improve medication adherence.”
Dr. Best expressed the hope of exciting days for the Barbados Pharmaceutical Society as it continued its work in providing excellent patient care.