National Pharmacists Convention highlights pharmacists’ evolving role in healthcare system

The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) is hosting its annual National Pharmacists Convention (NPC 2021) from 8–11 July 2021 via a virtual platform. The theme for NPC 2021 is ‘Exploration, inspiration and transformation of pharmacy.’

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating on multiple fronts. However, this has led to some positive changes in terms of innovation and growth in the pharmacy workforce. While pharmacists have always played an essential role in patient care management, the immense pressure being placed on the country’s healthcare system due to COVID-19 has seen pharmacists becoming a vital access point for medicines and healthcare advice. Pharmacists have also been more involved in public health planning measures and efforts to combat the pandemic, all while coping with other burdens of diseases affecting the public.

Pharmacists have gone beyond the call of duty to explore new healthcare horizons and are now the inspiration and catalyst for upcoming changes. The need for self-improvement is imperative to effectively respond and engage with the community due to current conditions.

NPC 2021 utilizes an advanced platform that will enable interaction and valuable networking among pharmacists, distinguished speakers, and sponsors. As of 7 July, the number of registered participants is over 1,500 making this convention the biggest ever in the history of MPS.

The guest of honour of the event is the Minister of Health Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba. The senior director of Pharmaceutical Services Norhaliza A Halim will also be attending. In addition, Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation will be a panelist in the Forum on Vaccine Advocacy.

More than 50 distinguished speakers from private and government hospitals, universities, pharmaceutical industry, community pharmacies, and regulatory bodies in Australia, Brazil, Japan, Philippines, Spain, Singapore, UK, and the US will be featured.

For the first time at NPC, research publications will be showcased and made downloadable with attractive MPS-NPC research awards available. Self-development talks by 12 speakers will be featured to help pharmacists with development of their soft skills. There will also be over 20 exhibitors ie, pharmaceutical companies via virtual booths where live interaction with participants has been made possible.

The NPC 2021 programme book will showcase success stories and struggles of Malaysian pharmacists as well as take home messages from the eminent members of MPS. Pharmacists who are unable to attend all the sessions can continue to access them for a month. Participants will be awarded 20 CPD points for 4-day attendance.

For more information and the programme, please visit https://www.mpsnpc2021.com/