More pharmacist’s needed: Pharmaceutical Society

The 8th Biannual Conference of the Pharmaceutical Society of Papua New Guinea [PSPNG] opened with a strong call for urgent action to address the shortage of pharmacists across the country.

Speaking at the event, PSPNG President Omega Manua highlighted the critical gap in the nation's healthcare system, citing that the current number of pharmacists, almost 600 nationwide is far from sufficient to meet the needs of Papua New Guinea's population.

From this number, Port Moresby General Hospital employs only eight pharmacists, provincial hospitals employ two to three, and the rest are employed by other pharmaceutical companies.

 "This is an alarming shortage compared to the growing population. The Provincial Health Authorities must take steps to create more positions and ensure an adequate number of pharmacists in hospitals nationwide," Manua said.

City Pharmacy’s Head of Pharmacy echoed these concerns, noting that the company employs over 40 pharmacists across its 19 outlets nationwide.

Despite this, he acknowledged that the numbers are still inadequate to meet the increasing demand for pharmaceutical services.

He called on the government to prioritize this issue, emphasizing that the lack of pharmacists could severely affect the quality of healthcare in the country.

"The government needs to step in and provide the necessary support to bolster our pharmacist workforce, as this is essential for ensuring proper healthcare delivery," he said.

The conference is expected to conclude on Thursday with a renewed commitment from PSPNG to continue advocating for better healthcare resources and the expansion of pharmaceutical services in PNG.