Pharmacists across Liberia joined their counterparts around the globe on September 25 to celebrate World Pharmacists Day under the global theme: “Think Health, Think Pharmacists.”
The national observance, held at the Ministry of Health’s Conference Room, brought together leaders from the health sector, regulatory bodies, academia, and professional associations to underscore the vital role pharmacists play in the country’s healthcare delivery system.
Delivering the opening address, Dr. Juwe D. Kercula, President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Liberia (PSL), highlighted both the significant contributions of pharmacists and the persistent challenges they face in being fully recognized as core healthcare professionals.
“We, pharmacists, stand at the heart of our healthcare delivery system,” Dr. Kercula declared. “From hospital practice to academia, regulation to public health, our contributions are indispensable. Yet, pharmacists continue to struggle for what rightly belongs to them.”
A Profession Undervalued, Yet Indispensable
Dr. Kercula was candid in expressing his concerns about the continued marginalization of pharmacists in national health discourse and decision-making processes.
“When it comes to fair remuneration, policymakers ask the most frustrating question: ‘What are pharmacists doing that they are demanding salary increases?’ This not only insults our profession—it undermines the safety and effectiveness of our health system,” he said.
He cited a recent medication error at a private hospital, which tragically resulted in the death of a healthcare worker, as a grim reminder of the risks involved when pharmacists are excluded from key clinical roles.
“When there is no clinical pharmacist to erect a checkpoint against medication errors, lives are at stake,” he stressed.
Dr. Kercula also pointed out the repeated oversight of pharmacists in budget allocations and program leadership within the health sector, calling such exclusion counterproductive to national healthcare goals.
Despite these ongoing issues, Dr. Kercula called on pharmacists to remain resilient and proactive.
“Let us stop sitting on the fence with endless criticisms. We need to become more visible in our workplaces, more innovative in our approach, and more united in our mission,” he urged.
He challenged pharmacists to embrace expanded roles in clinical pharmacy, immunization services, pharmacovigilance, health education, and regulatory oversight, while encouraging the public and policymakers to recognize pharmacists as essential healthcare providers.
“Whenever you think about building a resilient health system, think first about a pharmacist,” he concluded, echoing the day’s theme.
Ministry of Health Commends Pharmacists’ Contributions
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Cathrine T. Cooper, Director of Health Services and Chief Medical Officer Designate (CMOD), at the Ministry of Health commended the PSL and pharmacists nationwide for their unwavering service.
“Pharmacists are not just dispensers of medicine. They ensure that patients receive the right drugs, at the right doses, and at the right time,” Dr. Cooper said.
She emphasized the pharmacist’s role in patient education, public health awareness, and the fight against medication misuse.
“With growing concerns around climate change and pharmaceutical safety, pharmacists are keen to ensuring safe, cost-effective, and accessible healthcare,” she noted. “Their work in preventing medication errors and educating the public about the dangers of illicit drug use is invaluable.”
As the ceremony drew to a close, the resounding message was clear: pharmacists must be placed at the center of Liberia’s healthcare development efforts.
“Think Health. Think Pharmacists” is not merely a theme for celebration, it is a powerful call to action, a national imperative, and a long-overdue recognition of a profession vital to the health and well-being of all Liberians.
