Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) Celebrates Pharmacy Week: Engaging the Community on Medication Safety and Antibiotic Awareness

Indus Hospital & Health Network (IHHN) recently marked World Pharmacists Day at its Korangi Campus, highlighting the essential role pharmacists play in healthcare. This year’s theme, “Pharmacists Meeting Global Health Needs,” set by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), underscored the significant contributions of pharmacists to our health systems.

The event featured esteemed speakers from the pharmacy community, including Dr. Fakhsheena Anjum from Dow College of Pharmacy, Dr. Ubaidullah Korai from Federal Urdu University, and Dr. Ghazala Ishrat from Salim Habib University. They provided valuable insights on the importance of continuous professional development for pharmacists in an ever-evolving healthcare landscape.

The event was more than just a series of speeches, creating an interactive platform that highlighted the commitment and skill of the pharmacy team. The leadership team at IHHN, including CEO Dr. Syed Zafar Zaidi, Executive Director of Medical Services Dr. Muhammad Shamvil Ashraf, and Medical Director Karachi Dr. Ashar Alam, were there to show their support. Senior Pharmacist Dr. Rabia Basri led the program, and Chief of Pharmacy Services Dr. Aslam Shah presented an overview of the department’s achievements for the year.

A key moment of the celebration was the keynote address by Dr. Saif ur Rehman Khattak, Director of the Central Drug Laboratory, who emphasized the vital role pharmacists play in ensuring patient safety through diligent medication monitoring and their unique ability to detect potential drug toxicities.

One of the most touching moments was the staff appreciation ceremony, where outstanding pharmacy staff were recognized for their dedication to patient safety and excellence in service. The event concluded with a celebratory cake-cutting and refreshments, with Dr. Arif Ali Arain, Head of Pharmacy Services, delivering a heartfelt vote of thanks. Medical Director Karachi Dr. Ashar Alam also expressed his gratitude for the pharmacy team’s contributions during this memorable occasion.

In addition to the main event, IHHN-KC observed World Pharmacy Week from September 19 to 24. During this period, senior pharmacists conducted patient awareness sessions across various IHHN campuses. These interactive sessions focused on medication safety and responsible antibiotic use, making learning engaging and enjoyable for all participants.

Overall, the week served as a powerful reminder of the invaluable contributions pharmacists make to healthcare. IHHN leadership expressed deep appreciation for the pharmacy department’s ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare services and ensuring patient safety.