Pfizer awards outstanding pharmacists at PSN conference

 

Pfizer Nigeria has further demonstrated its commitment to the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria by rewarding outstanding pharmacists at the just concluded 88^th Annual Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) which held in Abuja.

With this recognition of excellence, Pfizer once again showed its willingness to work with relevant groups in the country to positively impact and promote the growth of the pharmaceutical sector.

Explaining the rationale for the recognition, Winston Ailemoh, Marketing Director West & East Africa, said the award is to recognize excellence and positive contributions of outstanding pharmacists to sustain and further advance development within the sector.

One of the pharmacists awarded at the event  Pharm. Bukola George, CEO Healthplus Pharmacy, thanked Pfizer for this recognition stating that the award is a mark of recognition and serves as a means of motivation to further help contribute to the profession and to develop healthcare practice in Nigeria.

“Pfizer is proud to associate with individuals and groups who are committed to improving the lives of Nigerians such as the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN). It is clear that the individuals recognised today have made their mark, with the contributions of every other person in this audience, to advance the course of healthcare in Nigeria. Pfizer will continue to support the growth of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical and health care industry while rewarding many more who distinguish themselves through positive contribution to creating better healthcare practices in the country” Winston Ailemoh said.

Highlights from the event also include the launch of two new consumer products- Centrum and Caltrate, leading drugs within the supplements and multivitamin category.

Speaking on the rationale for the launch of these new products, Sue Cartwright, Marketing Manager Pfizer Consumer Health, said Nigerians face challenges in terms of gaining access to adequate nutritional contents, hence the need for a supplement that provides necessary nutrients that may be lacking in their daily meal.

“Centrum* is a Complete from A to Zinc^TM vitamins and minerals, with key nutrients to help with good heart, bone strengthening and aid blood formation. The drug also enhances healthy eyes, supplements energy, improves immunity and metabolism” Sue explained.

The Caltrate^® formula is a bone & joint health vitamin and mineral supplement formulated to support and strengthen the bones. “It offers a higher amount of vitamin D3 per tablet, which aids in the absorption of calcium” Sue further explained.

The new supplements come in variety of forms to help consumers fill dietary gaps. “Lack of adequate food supplement can expose the body to some health problems. Multivitamins are needed supplements that greatly help individuals fill daily nutritional gaps in the diet. Most people do not get enough of these nutrients from their meals, hence the value of these products,” Soroh further explained.

In his remark, the National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo acknowledged the support from Pfizer stating that Pfizer continues to play an integral role in the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry and thanked them for their sponsorship and continuous support for the PSN.

“At Pfizer’s pharmacists’ academy, we see a pharmacist as a teacher, a caregiver, a decision maker, a communicator, a manager, a leader and a lifelong learner. We provide the knowledge and facilities necessary to develop and exhibit all these qualities to cater for the health and well being of every Nigerian,” Winston Ailemoh said.

It would be recalled that Pfizer, through its pharmacy academy, trains pharmacists in scientific and managerial knowledge, a continuous education programme that compliments the government’s effort in the development of the pharmaceutical sector.