The Minister of Health, Dr. Richard Sezibera, yesterday challenged pharmacists to execute their duties with a high degree of professionalism and embrace the spirit of teamwork to advance their field.

Sezibera made the remarks during a general meeting that brought together pharmacists from across the country operating under the Allied Health Professionals (AHP) association.

Citing people who act unprofessionally, the minister said that pharmacist should play their respective role in promoting professionalism.

"A profession must be a continuous source of knowledge and everyone should play their part in achieving this important role. If such a role is not achieved then it ceases to be a profession but rather a social club,” Sezibera said.

The Minister pledged government support to pharmacists, adding that it is high time an active association for pharmacists was formed to promote quality service delivery just like the associations for nurses and that of doctors.

On behalf of AHP, John Gatabazi noted that over the years, various measures were been put in place to ensure that quality pharmaceutical services reach the population.

"To date, 90 percent of the health facilities have pharmacists. Referral hospitals have three each and the numbers will increase with more students graduating. More pharmacists will also be recruited in Karongi, Burera, Nyabihu, Rusiro and Kibagabaga,” Gatabazi said.

Patrick Gaparayi, a pharmacist, added that the meeting serves as an important platform where people in the profession share ideas and find solutions to challenges that may hinder them from reaching desired goals.

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