JU "Apoteke Sarajevo" Marked World Pharmacist Day

SARAJEVO, (Patria) – On September 25, World Pharmacist Day was marked at the Stari Grad pharmacy, with this year's motto being „Safe and effective medicines for all“. The goal of this year's theme is to promote the extremely important role of pharmacists. Studies indicate a significant number of incidents where patients were harmed during the provision of healthcare services. 

Enisa Salihefendić, Assistant Minister of Health of the Sarajevo Canton, under whose auspices the World Pharmacist Day marking was held, stated that pharmacists adhere to the well-known 5R rule in their work.

„The right medicine for the right patient at the right time in the right dose and in the right way, with safe information“, said Salihefendić. 

Fatima Hadžismajlović-Bosiljčić, a pharmacist, spoke on behalf of the Director General of JU "Apoteke Sarajevo", pharmacist Nedim Hrelja. She reminded that the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) proclaimed September 25 as World Pharmacist Day in 2006. 

Hadžismajlović-Bosiljčić gave a presentation highlighting the importance of safe and effective medicines. 

„Pharmacists play a key role in ensuring therapy without adverse effects, and the cooperation of pharmacists with other healthcare professionals and patients is paramount. Incidents with medication errors are possible. 250,000 deaths in the US are due to medical errors, making it the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer. In the EU, 23% are exposed to medical errors, of which 18% are serious medical errors with fatal outcomes", she stated. 

„All these errors can be prevented if we look at them comprehensively. Every healthcare professional has a key role in preventing medical errors. According to WHO research, 11% of these errors occur at the primary healthcare level, the error rate increases in elderly patients, as well as in patients taking multiple medications. Errors also occur at home when a patient does not take the medication or takes more medication than they should. They occur in the hospital when medication is prescribed or administered“, said Hadžismajlović-Bosiljčić.

It was emphasized that patients are the best source of information for pharmacists, who can significantly prevent errors. 

Dominique Jordan, President of FIP, stated that pharmacists ensure the safe use of medicines. 

„Today, more than ever, pharmacists are responsible for ensuring the safe use of medicines through their advisory role.“