…To Establish FCT Drug Information Center (DIC)
From Idu Jude Abuja
As the FCT chapter of the pharmacy tical society of Nigeria (PSN) joins the rest of the world in commemoration of World pharmacy Day, the branch, has called for the use of information technology in service delivery.
Chairman of the FCT chapter, Pharmacist Ifeanyi Ikebundu, made the revelation Monday while delivering a welcome address during the grand finale of the line up ever to mark this year’s event.
According to Pharmacist Ifeanyi Ikebundu, the imperative in the use of information technology in service delivery, and in strengthening health system, became necessary at a time when health systems around the world are recovering from the COVID 19 crises
with an indication that urgent action is needed for health services to meet future needs.
Pharmacist Ifeanyi Ikebundu, said, “this year’s event of World Pharmacist Day, campaign, presents opportunities to increase awareness of pharmacist as intelligent solutions providers. A well- functioning health system, must have an accessible and reliable I formation provision platform, supply of medicines and technologies, trained and motivated healthcare workforce, good infrastructure, evidence – based policies, strong plans and adequate funding”.
Further speaking, he noted, he said that this year’s sub- theme was carefully chosen to effectively x-ray and highlight the importance of ICT in the health systems strengthening, capacity development, precise and accurate dissemination of timely drug information for enhanced pharmaceutical care service delivery.
He further stated that, ” it is therefore imperative that we leverage on the opportunities presented by the increasing and impactful intervention by pharmacists in Nigeria especially in the FCT to work more towards advancing and strengthening our health system. To this end, therefore, PSN, would be undertaking the launch of the first phase of the PSN Abuja Drug Information Center (DIC) as part of the activities to commemorate this year’s World Pharmacists Day. When fully operational, the PSN, Abuja DIC would serve to provide accurate and comprehensive data to healthcare professionals, consumers of healthcare products in Abuja and the Nation in general”.
This he also said if we’ll established, would ensure the achievement of the United Nations Development goal in the provision of basic access to health care and promoting the attainment of Universal health coverage for all.
Also speaking as the Chairman of occasion, the Director General NITDA Kachifu Inuwa Abdulahi, represented by the Director Information Technology NiTDA Usman Gambo Abdulahi, commended the effort of the FCT chapter of Pharmaceutical society of Nigeria PSN on its effort to introduce the use of information technology in the discharge of its duties as well as the use artificial intelligence ( AI) in a technology driven world.
He however, said that establishment of the Drug Information Center DIC in Abuja, would proper information on the use of drugs in the Nigerian capital city and beyond.
” It is a welcome idea to introduce information technology in the health system. This would revolutionize the system and to meet up with the challenges of proper information. We also welcome the use of Artificial intelligence AI to harness the system. Digitization can as well improve telemedicine. And it offers opportunities for innovation in a growing challenges”
He promises NITDA’s resolve to continue to collaborate with agencies like the PSN for more technological driven society.
Also speaking, the permanent Secretary FCT, Olusola Adesola said the FCT administration welcomed the efforts of PSN, which he said was apt as Nigeria and the entire world struggle to finding a quicker way of solving the mistry of COVID-19.
He also said that that the effort has also highlighted efforts of the present FCT administration is providing adequate healthcare to the indegent people driven by technology.