Troop pharmaceuticals, a leading healthcare provider, has rolled out drums to celebrate its 25th anniversary in efficient and effective community pharmacy practice. The occasion themed ”Pharmacy Role for Healthier You” also featured free eye screening for residents of Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos.
The event, which took place at Dr Faseun Street, off Century Hotel B/stop, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos, was graced by prominent community pharmacists and personalities including Professor Simon Emeje, chairman, Troop Pharmaceuticals Ltd; Pharm. (Mrs) Folasade Lawal, CEO, Victory Drugs and chairperson of the occasion; Engr Olajide Oludare, Father of the day; Pharm. Anderline Dukor, CEO Mecure Industries Ltd; Pharm. Omojo Emeje, director, Troop Pharmaceuticals Ltd; Pharm. Kayode Olayiwola, COO Troop Pharmaceuticals and Pharm. (Mrs) Chizomam Ann Emeje, managing director, Troop Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
In her keynote address, Pharm. Dukor sensitized the audience on the role of pharmacies in enhancing healthier lives for people.She emphasized that not all places that drugs are sold should be regarded as pharmacies.
She said: “If a pharmacist administers a medication to a patient and the patient later complains, and the same complaint is made by patients elsewhere regarding the medication, we will immediately launch an investigation to determine the error in the medicines. Therefore, everything that occurs in the pharmacy is genuinely done for patients’ protection”.
Dukor highlighted the major roles of pharmacists in caring for the health of the community to include to prepare, obtain, store, secure, distribute, administer, dispense and dispose of medical products.
According to her, effective management of drug therapy is another important responsibility of pharmacists. “It's not enough to just hand out medications anymore. The modern pharmacist will now explain to you why you are using your medications, why you must take them, how long you must take them, and if you experience any side effects that are different from what you experienced before, what to do.
“The pharmacist is there to make sure you’re getting the true benefit of your medication by maintaining and improving professional performance.
“They also contribute to improve effectiveness of the healthcare system. This means if you have an headache, you’re not just given paracetamol, the pharmacist goes all out letting you know what you need to do so that you don’t encounter such headache again.”
She lauded Troop Pharmaceuticals for operating as a community pharmacy that actively counsels patients on drug therapy, trains staff, provides health information and education, and even serves as a consultant for minor illnesses.
“The foundation of the healthcare system is pharmacy. When you think about the role of pharmacy for a healthier you, remember that pharmacists don't necessarily give you life, but they do give life to the medicines that you and I need to maintain our lives, health and general well-being,” she asserted .
Narrating the success story of Troop Pharmaceuticals, Pharm. (Mrs) Emeje told guests at the occasion how the organisations started 25 years ago, with barrage of challenges but her passion for the profession not the desire to make profit, sustained the company till today.
An elated Emeje, who used the medium to encourage younger persons considering a career in Pharmacy to go ahead with their ambitions, said despite several obstacles encountered over the years such as unfriendly government policies and financial constraints, they now have over four products to their name.
“I care more about people's lives and not just about the money. I was just considering what may help me feel more connected to patients while also using my entrepreneurial skills. I can stand all day long attending to patients and I don't get fatigued, because of my love for humanity. I am content whenever a client enters and leaves satisfied”, she stated.
Speaking with Pharmanewsonline in an exclusive interview at the programme, Pharm. Emeje said, passion to serve, touch lives and interest in healthcare are what informed her decision to start Troop Pharmacy.
“Even though there were times when I wanted to give up, I'm grateful to God for my loving spouse and for the friends and colleagues who watched out for me and kept me from giving in to the pressure I was under at the time,” she said
Speaking on how Troop Pharmacy has addressed the menace of drug abuse in the community where it is located, she said, “I put my profession first before anything else by counselling clients when they want to buy drugs they don’t need. I also educate them because some people abuse drugs not because they want to, but because they don’t have the right information.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards in different categories to distinguished staff, old staff and personalities who have stood out in the service of humanity and relationships with Troop Pharmaceuticals Ltd. This includes Barr Chikaodili Ugochukwu, CEO of Flora’s Trust Center for Children with Cerabral Palsy and other Disabilities, Mr Ikechukwu Unamba (MLS) for sacrificial services in health hazard environment, to mention but a few.
Earlier in his welcome address, Pharm. Olayiwola, appreciated all the guests for their show of love, noting the place of diligence and determination in any endeavour in life. He urged the audience to always preserve in whatever they are doing in order to achieve great success in life.
