Australian Pharmacy Council ceo Brownyn Clark inspired 5,000 attendees at the recent Philippines Pharmacists Association (PPhA) conference in Palawan, the Philippines, in late May. Clark gave the keynote speech at the event, speaking on the topic of Filipino Pharmacists, embracing the challenge of change during which she acknowledged the opportunities posed by the current situation in the Philippines where a new Pharmacy Law was recently passed allowing the expansion of pharmacist services. Vaccinations by pharmacists are set to roll out in the Philippines under the new arrangements, with Clark’s presentation focusing on needs-based education to enable practice changes. She also showcased practice from Australia and New Zealand as well as the quality assurance of the education and professional developments which underpin our high quality systems locally. Other potential areas for expansion of service in the Philippines highlighted by Clark include blood pressure screening, diabetes Meds Checks and counselling, smoking cessation, sleep apnoea treatment, lung function tests, anticoagulation management and more. Outside of the pharmacy possibilities highlighted included expanding scopes through GP practice pharmacists, home medication reviews, and even pharmacist prescribers. However a key factor is assuring quality of the workforce during this transformation of the sector, Clark added, unveiling competency standards and frameworks and the importance of accreditation processes and systems. She also unveiled details of next year’s Life Long Learning in Pharmacy Conference taking place in Brisbane from 06-09 Jul 2018 - more details at lllpharm2018.com. Pictured above from left are: Ms Marilyn Tiu Ms Zenaida Lumacang; PPhA president Dr Yolanda Robles; Bronwyn Clark, Australian Pharmacy Council ceo; Ms Leonila Campo; Dr Imelda Pena; and Mr Aldrin Santiago.
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