KUWAIT CITY, March 11: Minister of Health Dr. Ahmad Al-Awadhi emphasized the importance of enhancing the performance of pharmacists in both the public and private sectors. He highlighted the crucial role that pharmacy professionals play in advancing health services in Kuwait.

In a statement to reporters during the Ramadan Ghabga event hosted by the Kuwait Pharmaceutical Association on Monday, Dr. Al-Awadhi praised the remarkable efforts of pharmacists working in various health facilities, including hospitals, specialized centers, primary care units, and central departments.

Dr. Al-Awadhi underscored the pivotal role pharmacists play as an essential part of the country's health system. He stressed the necessity of supporting this profession to keep pace with the evolving requirements of modern healthcare. He further pointed out the Ministry of Health’s commitment to enhancing the role of professional pharmacists, ensuring they provide the best services, share the latest research and advancements in the pharmaceutical sector, and address any challenges they may face in order to advance the profession.

He added that the pharmacy sector is one of the most important sectors within the Ministry of Health, with pharmacists playing a key role in areas such as requesting, distributing, dispensing, and safely disposing of medications. The ministry’s role, he noted, is to support all sectors, whether during working hours or on social occasions. Dr. Al-Awadhi also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of pharmacists currently working in hospitals and primary care centers, emphasizing that their work is essential.

He added, "This is our duty in all specialties, and there will be visits to hospitals and health centers to congratulate them." Dr. Al-Awadhi assured the association that the Ministry of Health is open to any proposals from the association and its members aimed at developing the pharmacy profession. He also expressed a willingness to discuss any challenges pharmacists may face in their work.

Dr. Ahmed Taqi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Kuwait Pharmaceutical Association, also spoke at the event. He remarked, "Today, we are witnessing increased support for everything that contributes to the development of vital sectors, including the pharmacy sector, which provides us with a golden opportunity for achievement and growth."

Dr. Taqi called on all sectors within the pharmaceutical industry to collaborate in the spirit of teamwork and to enhance cooperation to achieve the highest standards of quality in pharmaceutical services. He noted the rapid increase in the number of pharmacy graduates, which highlights the need to effectively invest in young professionals and provide them with an environment that encourages professional growth and continuous training. This, he said, would help them become an effective force in strengthening the country's health system.

He emphasized that scientific research is the cornerstone of developing the profession. In this regard, Dr. Taqi pointed out the establishment of a research center within the association, which represents a strategic step toward addressing challenges and planning for the future on solid scientific foundations. This initiative aims to ensure the quality of work, sustain the development of health services, and enhance drug security, with the goal of making Kuwait a model to emulate in supporting pharmacists and fostering innovation in the field of pharmacy.