On Saturday, 24 pharmacists recited the pharmacist’s oath after donning their white coats and being awarded their licences to practise.
The event, the Department of Public Information (DPI) said was held at the Herdmanston Lodge.The pharmacists would have obtained a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the University of Guyana (UG) and served a one-year internship at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation.
As is customary, after being outfitted with white coats, each pharmacist lit a candle from a single flame carried by Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Shamdeo Persaud. This, according to the Pharmacy Council, symbolizes the transition of leadership from the policy level down to the practice.
Speaking on behalf of the pharmacists, Mark Persaud reflected on his time spent as an intern.
“I would say, this batch of pharmacists is leaving here determined not to compromise for mediocrity. This batch is one I see standing firm and adhering to the rules and regulations that govern them and won’t support poor governance from superiors and won’t compromise with malpractice …. in this healthcare system”, DPI quoted him as saying.
Persaud added, “I rest assured that we are that batch that will make pharmacists recognised in healthcare for what we are called to do.”
The recital of the Pharmacist’s Oath was led by Director of Pharmacy Services, O’Neil Atkins while the charge was given to the Pharmacists by the immediate past chairman of the Pharmacy Council in Guyana, Carl Bacchus who encouraged the professionals to emulate the ‘trailblazers’ who went before them as it is “an exciting journey but a serious career.”
In 2018, DPI said that Guyana welcomed 17 clinically trained pharmacists into the fraternity. This is now set to be an annual feature as the University of Guyana continues to educate persons in the field of Pharmacy. Also, in attendance was Chairperson of the Pharmacy Council in Guyana, Levante De Santos.
