The National Association of Pharmaceutical Technologists of Nigeria (NAPTTON) Bayelsa State Chapter has been tasked to adhere to professional ethics in dispensing drugs and serving the general public.
Hon. Marlon Moses, the chairman at an event, who is a member Bayelsa State House of Assembly representing Southern Ijaw Constituency three, who is also the House committee chairman on tourism and culture, noted that as a professional body they should always be professional and proffer solutions for sustainable development.
He noted that the future of Pharm Tech depends on the innovations they create, the inclusion and commitment was key, while appreciating members and other stakeholders for their support in the development of the organization, especially thanking the leadership of the union. He equally pledged to give the needed support in the development of the union.
Earlier, the state chairman of NAPTTON Pharm Tech, Dr. Albert Wisdom, in his opening remarks thanked members for their support, especially appreciating the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri and his Deputy, His Excellency, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the commissioner for health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, and other stakeholders, while using the World Pharm Tech Day to build bridge, enhance oneness and love between pharmacy technicians and pharmacists.
Dr. Wisdom equally bemoans the denial of direct entry admission into the universities and other tertiary institutions after graduation from the Colleges of Health. Even if they have such opportunity, they are often constrained by bottlenecks arising from some national policies and guidelines. He revealed that unfortunately, Bayelsa is among the states where this is practiced, and called for streamlining.
The state chairman equally underlined some of its salient achievements and highlighted several challenges, Notably: Non-recognition of Pharmacy Technician Association license during promotion by pharmacists in Federal Medical Centre (FMC) also, Pharmacy Technicians working in Federal Medical Centre and Niger Delta Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri, are being denied call duty allowance, which their counterpart technicians are being paid, poor participation of members in meetings of the association and activities, moreso, shortage of pharmacy technicians in hospitals and Primary Healthcare facilities. Members were denied employment from 2005 till date in both local government areas and the state, among others, and appealed to the Bayelsa State government for prompt attention.
Several goodwill messages were taken, notably, Commissioner for Health, Profesor Seiyefa Brisbe, who was represented by Dr. K. Alek, also, Executive Secretary Bayelsa State Primary Healthcare Board; Dr. William Appah, the duo in their separate remarks thanked members of the association, while underscoring the importance of the union, appealed to them to always be professional and more so improve their educational status.
In furtherance they urged them to collaborate with other health practitioners in the discharge of their duties, while pledging full commitment to the Association development perhaps of their strategic position in the health sector. The climax of the event was the presentation of yearly lecture with the theme: Global Approach to Alternative Medicine, by Mrs. Bassey Eke-Spiff, an alternative medicine advocate and practitioner, who gave historical background on alternative medicine, stressing that traditional medicine, should go side by side with modern medicine perhaps for its efficacy.
Thereafter was the presentation of distinguished service awards to members and other critical stakeholders, and thanksgiving services at God’s Divine Fruitful Assembly and charity visit to members that are facing serious health challenges.
