Al-Salem to Al-Anbaa: Approximately 3,000 pharmacists form an advanced pharmaceutical system in Health.. 60% of them are Kuwaitis

Abdulkarim Al-Abdullah: Dr. Adel Al-Salem, Director of the Pharmaceutical Services Department at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the department’s commitment to supporting and qualifying national pharmaceutical cadres, and providing a comprehensive professional environment that contributes to preparing pharmacists from their very first day of employment. This aligns with the rapid developments witnessed by the pharmacy profession and enhances the quality of healthcare services provided.

Speaking to “Al-Anbaa” on the sidelines of the “Discover Pharmacy” event organized by the Kuwait Pharmaceutical Association, Al-Salem stated that participation stems from the importance of direct communication with pharmacy students and recent graduates, introducing them to the nature of the profession, available career paths, and future opportunities within and outside the Ministry of Health. This aims to prepare a generation of pharmacists equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to keep pace with work requirements.

He clarified that the department showcases during the event all the stages a newly appointed pharmacist goes through, starting from the procedures for joining the ministry, through training and qualification programs, to the challenges they may face at the beginning of their professional career and the mechanisms for addressing them. The department also assists them in choosing a specialty and field that aligns with their capabilities and interests, alongside evaluating strengths and areas needing development to ensure optimal use of their potential.

Al-Salem added that developing pharmaceutical cadres is one of the top priorities of the Pharmaceutical Services Department. The department organizes specialized training programs and courses throughout the year targeting both newly appointed and experienced pharmacists, with the aim of raising professional competence and enhancing the quality of pharmaceutical practice. He noted that while some programs are open for registration to all pharmacists, participants in others are nominated based on work needs and specialties.

Al-Salem pointed out that the department plans to launch several new training programs this year, which will be announced via the official account of the Pharmaceutical Services Department on Instagram. He called on all pharmacists to take advantage of these programs and continue developing their scientific and practical skills.

Regarding the future of the profession, he affirmed that artificial intelligence has become a key partner in developing pharmaceutical services and reshaping their future. It is being utilized in areas such as pharmaceutical information, supporting decision-making during medication dispensing, analyzing pharmaceutical risks, managing the medication dispensing system, and monitoring patients and their needs. This contributes to improving service efficiency and enhancing the quality of healthcare.

He explained that the number of pharmacists working in the Ministry of Health is approximately 3,000, with numbers continuing to rise. Kuwaiti pharmacists account for about 60% of this workforce, forming a sophisticated pharmaceutical system within the ministry. He emphasized that professional development programs cover all pharmacists across different job levels, based on the department’s belief in the importance of continuous learning.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Taqi, President of the Kuwait Pharmaceutical Association, confirmed that the “Discover Pharmacy” event has become an important annual station that brings together pharmacy students and recent graduates with various entities working in the pharmaceutical sector. The goal is to introduce them to available career paths and help them transition smoothly from academic life to the work environment.

Dr. Ahmed Taqi stated that the association organizes this event for the third consecutive year, driven by its belief in the importance of empowering young pharmaceutical cadres and providing them with the opportunity to closely understand the nature of work in various pharmacy fields, whether in the Ministry of Health, the private sector, or pharmaceutical companies. This contributes to forming a clear vision of their professional future.

He clarified that the event gathers a select group of leaders, experts, and specialists in the pharmaceutical sector, with participation from representatives of the Ministry of Health and various pharmaceutical departments, as well as private pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies. This provides an interactive platform for exchanging experiences, answering students’ and graduates’ inquiries, and informing them about labor market requirements and the skills needed by pharmacists in various specialties.