GSK, PSN introduce online training for pharmacists

Multinational pharmaceutical giant, GlaxoSmithKline, (GSK) has partnered the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) to introduce an innovative online training program for pharmacists in the country.

The programme, tagged Scientific Course for Pharmacist Education (SCOPE), is aimed at enhancing the knowledge of Nigerian Pharmacists. According to the partners, SCOPE, a non-promotional and free online training program for Pharmacists, consists of nine (9) disease area modules that is accredited by the United States-based Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Speaking at the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the partners, the PSN President, Pharm. Olumide Akintayo disclosed that the successful completion of SCOPE is now one of the requirements to receive ten (10) credit points towards the required thirty (30) credit points under the Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (MCPD) programme of the Pharmacist’ Council of Nigeria (PCN).

Pharm. Olumide Akintayo noted that the partnership with GSK would further strengthen PSN’s doggedness to promote and maintain a high standard of pharmaceutical education in Nigeria, stressing that, SCOPE “facilitates a future grounded on professionalism through new frontiers in quality education updates.’’

Also in a short remark, Managing Director, GSK, Mr. Lekan Asuni stated that the MOU signing marked a milestone for not only the Partners, PSN and GSK, but also for the pharmaceutical industry as a whole.

“We consider this education partnership a great opportunity for us at GSK to fulfil our mission of improving the quality of human life. Through this innovative programme, SCOPE, we aim to enhance the knowledge of Nigerian pharmacists, and in turn, positively impact the lives of patients in Nigeria.

“The online platform was chosen to implement the modules because it’s more cost effective than face-to-face trainings with a wider reach as pharmacists in hard-to-reach area can benefit. Access to quality education will indeed build credibility in the Pharmaceutical industry,” he said.

GSK’s Commercial Development Manager, Africa & Developing countries in Asia (ADC) Mr. Jide Adeosun, on his part, commended PSN for pioneering the partnership with the company, saying GSK would similar programmes across Africa.

A 2013 survey conducted in Nigeria revealed that 50 per cent of Pharmacists seek training as a value added service from GSK. This need led to the development and launch of SCOPE, which is designed to enhance the knowledge base of pharmacists and improve pharmaceutical care outcomes for patients at the pharmacy.

Among key opinion leaders in attendance were heads of departments of pharmacy in Teaching Hospitals and Hospitals across the Southwest region of Nigeria; Mrs Juliet Ehimuan, Google Nigeria Country Manager, Mrs. Awofuwa, Director of Pharmacy, General Hospital, Ajeromi; Pharm. Bukky George, C.E.O, Health Plus, Pharm Dorcas Omeire, University Of Lagos Medical Centre, Mrs. Nmadu, Director of Pharmacy, Central Bank Of Nigeria Staff Clinic, Pharm Bolanle Adekoya, Deputy Director of Pharmacy, Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba, Pharm Salami, Director of Pharmacy, Health Service Commission and host of other dignitaries within the industry.