The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Kwara Chapter has commenced Agricultural ventures for revenue generation to the society.
Mr Mohammed Abdulmalik, the Chairman of the Kwara-PSN stated this in Ilorin, on the sidelines of the Orientation of the newly elected Executives of the society.
He observed that the society has opted for self reliance and fund generation, adding that the society has explored lucrative avenues such as acquiring lands for Agriculture and Rural Pharmacy Project.
According to him, the society will focus on Cash crops and will utilise some acres of land in Bala community in Asa local government area of Kwara.
He explained that already farming has commenced for the rainy season and will also be extended to other seasons.
The Kwara-PSN chairman explained further that the Rural Pharmacy Project is a joint initiatives of the society and the Association of Hospital Pharmacist of Nigeria (AHPN).
He noted that pharmacy outlets would be established in rural areas, so that communities will have access to essential good drugs and medicines at affordable prices.
“Presently we are organising the project at Bode-Sadu, in Moro local government area of Kwara by the committee in association with AHPN.
“The Olusin of Ijara Isin community in Isin local government area of Kwara, Oba Ajibola Ademola-Julius has declared his support for the Rural pharmacy project and it will commence soon,” he said.
Abdulmalik also disclosed that the association is also exploring manufacturing bottle water, while observing that the product will be widely accepted and trusted since its from the society.
Similarly, the Kwara-PSN boss added that it is collaborating with various agency to tackle the menace of drug abuse in the state.
According to him, the society will partner National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) on sanitizing the proliferation of patent medicine shops haphazardly distributed without due process across the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Executives members were trained by various resource persons on how to effectively carryout their duties.
Prof Isaac Aremu, a Lecturer of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Ilorin spoke on “Discipline and Work Ethics”, advised them to be reliable, honest and truthful in their course of duties.
He observed that good character leads to good attitude, and that members should strictly adhere to professionalism.
On her part, Mrs Felicia Akande, a PCN Regulator, Kwara Office, reminded members on the need to ensure safe and effective use of medicines.
She observed that the development of any nation depends largely on health system.
Akande also advised members on dressing to inspire confidence in their clients and patients.
Earlier in his opening address, Mr Bioku Rahamon, the Managing Director of Bioraj Pharmaceutical emphasised the importance of the training to members.
He stated that the theme of the training: ” Professionalism, Stewardship and Progress”, is apt, as it will impart ethics on members.
He tasked members on the need to be involved in politics so as to impact decision making on health system.
