The Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria (AHAPN) Lagos State Chapter, has urged members on the need to be up and doing in their various institutions for the profession to maintain its relevance in the hospitals and other institutions. This was the central theme of discussion at the Annual General Meeting of the association held at the hall of the Lagos State PSN Secretariat, on Wednesday.
The association also elected new executives, ably led by Pharm.(Dr) Modupe Bakare, as the chairman, and Pharm. Babatunde Adedoyin, as vice-chairman.
Other members of the new executives are, Pharm Okunade Olaitan, financial secretary; Pharm Deborah Olusanya, publicity secretary; Pharm. Olajumoke Onyejaka, treasurer; Pharm. Esther Oyeniran; assistant secretary: Pharm. Temitope Ajayi, secretary; Pharm. Ngozi Okeakpu, un-officio; and Pharm. Peter Akinlade, editor -in- chief, They were all elected unopposed.
Giving the stewardship of her team, the outgoing chairman, Pharm. (Dr) Modupe Oyawole, expressed her profound appreciation to all members of the association for their cooperation and team spirit displayed during her tenure, that led to the successful 3 year leadership .
She highlighted some of the programmes successfully held during the tenure including celebration of World Health Days, AHAPN Annual National Conference, AHAPN Day of the Lagos State Pharmacy Scientific Week, Consultancy Cadre Advocacy; FIP grant; welfare activities, renovation of AHAPN secretariat, union engagements, committee activities, recognition and awards.
While unveiling the secretariat, Dr Oyawole explained further on how her team was able to renovate and equip the secretariat with modern gadgets such as functional computer systems and accessories, furniture, upgraded cooling system, among others to set the office ready for meetings with NGOs, government agencies and development partners. She noted that executive committee meetings can also be held at the secretariat going forward.
Still on the achievements of tenure, she mentioned a tangible outcome of their various union engagements with NUAHP, JOHESU, PSN, among others was the approval and implementation of Retention allowance for pharmacists in Lagoe State Government employment.
Mrs Oyawole also disclosed that the Lagos AHAPN research committee won a FIP grant in the hospital session to conduct research on Basel Statement: A programme of the hospital Pharmacy session of FIP, which looks at a set of hospital Pharmacy programmes.
“ As we bow out of office to use in a brand New Exco, I want to implore all members to continue to extend the same support and more to the new Exco to enable them to continue to move our dear association forward, “ she appealed.
The newly installed Pharm. Bakare, also appreciated members of the group for the honour reposed in her to be elected as chairman, assuring them of giving her best to the association. She solicited for the cooperation of all members and leaders to ensure the success of the team.
In a short interview with pharmanewsonline after her inauguration, she disclosed her plans to prioritise continue education of members, among other things during her tenure, as knowledge is power. She underscored the essence of having versatile and skilled pharmacists, who can always represent the profession at any time they are called upon.
She mentioned areas of trainings to include leadership skills, customer service skills, and skills that will help pharmacists in their day to day practice in the hospital and administrative environment., as well as in their personal lives.
Emphasising the importance of regular attendance at meetings, the new AHAPN Chairman stated that collaboration is crucial for the association, saying her team will be partnering with the main body of PSN and other technical groups under the umbrella of the PSN as well, to bring all these plans into fruition.
The high point of the AGM was the presentation of awards to deserving members and executives, who have served the association meritoriously during the last administration.
 Lagos State Chapter, has urged members on the need to be up and doing in their various institutions for the profession to){kind=link}