Karachi: The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) commemorated World Pharmacists Day with a series of events that underscored the crucial role pharmacists play in the healthcare system. The celebration, centered on the theme “Think Health, Think Pharmacist,” included an awareness walk and a cake-cutting ceremony at the AKU Sports and Rehabilitation Centre.

The event attracted a diverse group of participants, including AKUH leadership, pharmacy professionals, faculty members, and staff, all gathered to honor pharmacists’ contributions to patient-centered care. Faculty and students from Salim Habib University also joined, emphasizing the need for collaboration between academic institutions and clinical settings to bolster the pharmacy profession.

Dr. Farhat Abbas, CEO of the AKU Health System in Pakistan, highlighted the indispensable expertise pharmacists bring to healthcare teams. “Pharmacists are integral to optimising medication plans, preventing adverse interactions, educating patients, and supporting long-term disease management,” he stated. Their involvement is crucial to ensuring effective treatment and patient safety.

Mr. Shamim Raza, Director of Pharmacy at AKUH, spoke about the evolving nature of the pharmacy profession. He noted that pharmacists have transitioned from merely dispensing medications to taking active roles in diagnosis, medication safety, and patient education within multidisciplinary care teams.

The event showcased the unwavering dedication of pharmacists who ensure that treatments are both safe and effective. As the complexity of healthcare continues to increase, the trusted and patient-focused role of pharmacists becomes ever more vital.