Final results of Gulf Pharmacists Forum meeting announced

The final results of the Gulf Pharmacists Forum's (GPF) first general board meeting, which took place last week under the patronage of UAE Minister of Health, H.E. Mr. Humaid Al Qutami and supported by Les Laboratoires Servier, were confirmed and announced today by Dr. Easa Al Mansoori, Director of Drug Control Department, Ministry of Health and Chairman of the GPF.

The board unanimously approved and appointed, Dr. Easa Al Mansoori as Chairman of the Forum, Mrs. Layla Abdel Rahman, Member of Pharmacist Syndicate in Bahrain as the Vice-Chairman of the Forum and Ms. Nadia Al Mazroui, Chief of Logistics, Director of Medical Services, General Head Quarters Armed Services in Abu Dhabi as the Secretary General of the GPF. Furthermore, two committees were formed, the Scientific Committee headed by Mrs. Layla Abdel Rahman and an Administrative Committee headed by Ms. Ghaya Al Saad, Member of Pharmacist Syndicate, Kuwait.

"I think the outcomes and rules established in our meeting are very much in line with the objectives set out earlier, in terms of promoting awareness, professional development and initiating training amongst pharmacists throughout the GCC," said Ms. Nadia Al Mazroui, "I am very glad to be part of this great initiative. With its recent launch and agenda for the next 12 months, I am certain the Gulf Pharmacist Forum will open the doors for many pharmacists to build upon their current knowledge base."

Two of the priorities confirmed for the 2007/2008 action plan are to launch a GPF's educational website and newsletter specifically targeting pharmacists. The Website and newsletter will include all details of the GPF's constitution, monthly plans, updates, and contact information, so that all pharmacists throughout the gulf can have access to and follow its progress on a routine basis.

Other recommendations include, organizing two board meetings throughout the year; one to be held in Qatar in early November 2007 to discuss pharmaco-vigilance and the other to be held soon after in Kuwait during the end November 2007 to discuss pharmaco-economics. A number of annual accredited scientific symposiums will be inaugurated in one of the GCC member states to encourage the continuous progress of GPF's set program.

"The Gulf Pharmacist's Forum is a non-governmental, non-profit organization focusing on promoting professional and educational development" said Mrs. Layla Abdel Rahman, Vice-Chairman of GPF. "Our main sources to guarantee the success of the GPF are all the pharmacy syndicates in the GCC countries - each syndicate represents a key component to unify this program and position it as an educational hub for pharmacists to secure growth, stability and progress within their field."