Healthguard to recognise its pharma experts in accordance with World Pharmacists Day 2018

In accordance with the World Pharmacist Day, Sunshine Holding’s Healthguard, Sri Lanka’s leading health and beauty retail chain, will recognise the extensive expertise that its cadre of 25 plus pharmacists have and put to use every day to ensure better patient health. 

The theme of this year’s World Pharmacists Day, as designated in 2009 by International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the United Nations (UN), is ‘Pharmacists: Your Medicine Experts,’ which Healthguard endorses unequivocally – that pharmacists are a trusted source of knowledge and advice. 

“For every patient who walks into a pharmacy, pharmacists ensure that the right medicine is provided at the right dose as prescribed to them. We work tirelessly to make sure that all our customers get the best quality medicines with zero errors. Correct dispensing is as vital as correct diagnosis as the patient’s life depends on it. Moreover, we ensure that our pharmacists are regularly updated on the latest drugs entering the market, thorough product knowledge and trained on educating customers on preventative health,” said Healthguard Chief Executive Officer Infiyaz Ali.

“I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks to all our pharmacists. This year’s theme – ‘Pharmacists: Your Medicine Experts’ reflects our emotional connection to patients and the important role we have in providing care to the public. I am proud to see that, more and more pharmacists and the public join in recognising and celebrating the profession. I take this opportunity to promote the profession, and demonstrate just how much we care for our patients.

“Sri Lanka benefits from a significant number of pharmacists per patient population, however, this still does not meet the increased demand for qualified pharmacists in the public and private sector,” he stated. “Healthguard encourages and prompts students to qualify in Pharmacy courses offered by the Sri Lanka Medical Council as well as many private institutions.”   

The synergy between Healthguard and the education institutes that offer degree and diploma courses in Pharmacy provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain knowledge on different areas of pharmacy including pharmacogenetics, clinical pharmacy, and medical devices.

Sunshine Holdings PLC, the parent organisation of Healthguard retail chain, last month was judged as one of Sri Lanka’s top 10 most admired companies by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) affirming the values and respect the Group commands, among peer organisations, the private sector and customers.

Marketing over 650 pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, medical diagnostic equipment and surgical products to over 2,000 pharmacies and over 3,000 doctors, Sunshine Healthcare is able to draw on its wealth of experience to their stakeholders – doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other healthcare institutions, the best in healthcare services.

Healthguard is a fully-owned subsidiary of Sunshine Healthcare Lanka (SHL) – the healthcare arm of the diversified Sunshine Holdings conglomerate, with a network of 23 outlets across the Western Province of Sri Lanka. The premier retail chain promotes the unique concept of ‘Wellness and Beauty’ amongst Sri Lankans, offering superior products and customer service backed by international standards. Healthguard believes that the ‘Experiential Store’ could be the forerunner to new and exciting initiatives that will change the way Sri Lankans shop in the future.