MJH Celebrates World Pharmacists Day with Health Awareness Lectures By Jeris Diego Ledesma MANILA (September 25, 2024) — The Mary Johnston Hospital (MJH) has joined the global celebration of World Pharmacists Day themed “Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs.” The event featured a series of health awareness lectures conducted by the hospital’s pharmacy team led by Jaymee Quilang, Kiel James Baliao, Rain-Jasmine Ricardo, Abby Yuson, and Gelene Mendones.
These lectures addressed common misconceptions about medications and encouraged hospital staff and patients to ask pharmacists important questions to ensure safe and effective medication use. The day-long event began with a morning session at the hospital dispensary attended by members of the MJH Diabetes Club. Ms. Quilang and Mr. Baliao initiated discussions on safe medication practices and debunked myths surrounding the use of paracetamol and antibiotics.
The same lecture content was delivered in the afternoon sessions for different groups, including security guards, housekeepers, credit and collection staff, dietary staff, administrative staff, medical technologists, and student trainees. The speakers covered essential topics such as common misconceptions regarding the safety of paracetamol and the inappropriate use of antibiotics like amoxicillin for viral infections.
They also highlighted the risks associated with counterfeit drugs, the proper storage of medications, and the correct timing for medication intake. The participants learned about the therapeutic equivalence of generic and branded medicines and the potential side effects of steroid misuse. Proper prescription reading, expiration date interpretation, and safe medication disposal were also discussed to promote medication literacy and patient safety. The lectures were aimed at enhancing the medication literacy of the participants and empowering them to be more informed about their health.
Likewise, they were encouraged to ask their pharmacists key questions regarding drug interactions, side effects, and safe storage conditions to ensure they use their medications effectively and safely. Ms. Elena Padilla, one of the participants, expressed her appreciation for the program, stating, “Marami akong natutunan. Ang galing nila (speakers)… (dahil) nasagot nila ang lahat ng mga tanong at concern namin.”
