PCN inducts 150 graduates from UNIUYO as pharmacies

Ini Billie, Uyo

The Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) has inducted 150 graduates from the University of Uyo as pharmacists.

Speaking on Tuesday in Uyo during the 22nd Oath-taking/Induction ceremony of the 2020/2021 Pharmacy graduates, Registrar, Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, (PCN), Pharm. Ibrahim Babashehu Ahmed urged them to adhere strictly to the code of ethics guiding the practice of the profession.

Ahmed who was represented at the occasion by Dr Anthony Idoko, Head, Education and Training, PCN, cautioned the inductees against behaviours that could tarnish the image of pharmacists and bring the profession to ridicule.

“As you take the Oath today and become inducted as members of the pharmacy profession, I urge you to maintain high ethical conduct and leadership standards set forth by the PCN and endeavour to serve as examples for the achievement of excellence in the provision of quality pharmaceutical services for sustainable health care delivery in Nigeria.

“As Pharmacists, you are expected to get yourselves acquainted with the Code of Professional Ethics which prescribes your professional and moral responsibilities to the Patients, Pharmacist Colleagues, Other Health Professionals, your employers and the general public, among others.

“Strict compliance to the code of ethics is indispensable for the practice of the pharmacy profession. The Council frowns at professional misconduct in its entirety.

“It is pertinent to state that you are expected to keep off from the Register-and- go Syndrome which has great potential to tarnish the image of Pharmacists with a tendency to bring the Profession to ridicule. Always bear in time and do all in your power to uphold the ethics of the profession at all times,” he stated.

While speaking, Vice Chancellor of Uniuyo Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo urged the inductees to stay up-to-date with the latest research findings and developments and be open and willing to apply new ideas and discoveries as they arise in their discipline.

Prof Ndaeyo who was represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Prof Anthony Udo encouraged them to be dedicated as they have been entrusted with the lives of people.

“As you take this solemn Oath, I would like to remind you of the immense responsibility that you have undertaken. You are ushered into a profession that demands the highest level of ethics, dedication and professionalism. As a pharmacist, you are entrusted with the lives of your patients, and your actions have the power to heal or harm.

“Therefore, I urge you not to only take This Oath seriously, but also to be committed to upholding its principles throughout your Pharmaceutical career. Always act in the best interest of your patients and prioritize their well-being above everything else.

“Pharmacy, like most other fields, is a constantly evolving field, and it is imperative that you stay up to date with the latest research findings and developments. Keep an open mind and be willing to apply new ideas and discoveries as they arise,” he stated.

On his part, the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Emmanuel Attih cautioned the graduates against using their knowledge of drugs to promote narcotic trade in the quest for money.

“What is needed of you is hard work, strategic planning and deep reasoning. If government employment comes, grab it, if your interest lies there. If it is industry, grab it if your interest is there but go to where your real interest is.

“Opportunities for pharmacists are everywhere, look for those genuine opportunities, and don’t use your knowledge of drugs to promote Narcotic trade because you are in hot pursuit of cash,” he stated.