Uganda needs more nuclear pharmacists, says expert

 

The situation has prompted the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU) to appeal to the Indian High Commission to support Uganda to train more nuclear pharmacy specialists.

 

According to Ismail Sekungu of the Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU), the country is in the critical need of specialists in the field.

 

Nuclear pharmacy is a specialty area of pharmacy dedicated to the compounding and dispensing of radioactive materials for use in nuclear medicine procedures.

 

The role of nuclear pharmacists include preparing drugs using appropriate and measured ingredients on efficient equipments to generate suitable radio medicine, according to pharmacy principles.  Ssekungu says to perform such key medical roles, top class training is required.

 

According to Ssekungu, the Indian government has endeavoured to support the medical profession through providing scholarships to Ugandan undergraduate pharmacists for further training, but to bridge the gap, Uganda's government should supplement the efforts.

 

"The Indians have also participated in the setting up of manufacturing plants, and this has provided employment to Ugandans," he said.

 

Sekungu also said there was a need for Indians to setup more manufacturing plants instead of importing drugs

 

Sekungu was speaking ahead of a Pharma-Business meeting next week, organised by the Indian High Commission and Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) together with Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association and PSU. Over 45 companies from India are expected to attend.

 

In a statement issued by the director of Pharmexcil Roja Rani, the meeting is intended to counter phony medical products and break a ceiling with local pharmaceutical dealers as India and Uganda continue to improve business relations in the pharma market.

 

"India's Pharma industry serves the needy with responsible care and is in the midst of a very noble cause of providing competent medicines and medical gears at the most affordable prices," she said

 

India exports to almost every country and its exports stood at US$ 17.27b between 2017 to 2018 and about 19.5% of its exports are to Africa.

 

Pharmexcil is authorized by government of India to promote pharmaceutical exports from India.