Healthcare | Monday 17 October, 2016 4:37 pm |

The 3rd GCC Pharmacy Congress is held this month in Dubai with the support of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE, in collaboration with the Al Ain University of Science and Technology, Al Qassimi Hospital, American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP), Bahrain Medical Society, Dubai Pharmacy College, Indian Pharmaceutical Association, Oman Pharmaceutical Society, Oman Pharmacy Institute, Ministry of Health, University of Sharjah and organised by Maarefah Management, a worldwide event services company.
This year, the event focuses on the most important recent development in the sector globally, with special attention to the prevention of adverse drug reactions. It will also highlight the important role that pharmacists play in improving patient outcomes. Leadership development is another feature of the program, a key skill possessed by the pharmacists, in different health programmes to prevent diseases by counselling patients on their lifestyle to promote their health, reduce obesity and the associated serious conditions.
Dr. Sana Hasan, Assistant Professor of Clinical Pharmacy at Ajman University of Science and Technology, explained that there are many reasons that lead to the occurrence of adverse drug reactions, including error in the diagnosis of the patient's condition or administration, an incorrect dose of the right drug, as well as having undiagnosed medical or genetic condition. All the aforementioned factors, may cause harmful interactions, or may lead to irrational use of medications. This practice contributes to rising healthcare costs due to drug related problems which emphasizes the importance of having multidisciplinary teams, working together to reach optimal solutions.
She added, the GCC Pharmacy Congress is an annual event that brings together pharmacists, decision-makers and stakeholders in the sector, both regionally and globally.  It is the ideal platform to showcase the latest developments and new technologies and network with other healthcare professionals to discuss key issues in the pharmacy practice and policy, all of which have a significant impact on strengthening the role of pharmacists.
As part of the initiative, a dedicated pre-congress pharmaceutical supply chain symposium will run to discuss the supply chain of drugs with primary focus on policies and procedures. It will explore the development and implementation of such procedures to avoid drug shortages in healthcare facilities, as well as finding the appropriate method of handling unregistered medications. The symposium will also discuss the role of modern technology in pharmaceutical inventory management and cost reduction.
The 3rd GCC pharmacy congress is sponsored by a number of companies such as Olayan Kimberly Clark, BD, Wolters Kluwer and other leading pharmaceutical companies and healthcare solution providers.