Uganda needs more nuclear pharmacists

HEALTH MEDICINE   PHARMACY

Uganda currently has only one nuclear pharmacist that is soon retiring from public service.

The situation has prompted 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, from Pharmaceutical Society of Uganda (PSU), the country is in critical need of the super specialists in the field.

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

A specialty area of pharmacy practice is one that requires a concentration of knowledge in once specific area.

Among other roles nuclear pharmacists, prepare drugs using appropriate and measured ingredients on efficient equipments to generate suitable radio medicine according to pharmacy principles.  Ssekungu insists that for one to perform such key medical roles, high 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, 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 in Uganda compared to importation of already finished drugs

"We have intensified online marketing by the Indian products both drugs and equipment directly to Ugandan pharmacists.

This means that Uganda pharmacist can trade directly with Indian companies, and this will improve domestic investment.'' he said

He made the remarks ahead of  a Pharma-Business meeting next week organised by Indian High Commission and Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) together with Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association and PSU where over 45 companies from India are expected to meet.

In a statement issued by the director, 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 during 2017 to 2018 and about 19.5% of its exports are to Africa.

Pharmexcil is the authorised agency of the government of India for promotion of pharmaceutical exports from India.