GSK births online pharmacists' training program

L-R: President, Pharmacists Society of Nigeria, Pharm, Olumide Akintayo, Commercial Development Manager, Africa & Development Countries in Asia (ADC), Mr. Jide Adeosun, Managing Director, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Mr. Lekan Asuni and National Treasurer, Pharmaceutical  Society of Nigeria, Pharm. Duru Emeka during the signing of Memorandum  at the media launch of GSK’s innovative training program tagged Scientific Course for Pharmacist Education (SCOPE) in partnership with Pharmacist Society of Nigeria held in Lagos recently,

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has partnered  the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) on an innovative training program, tagged Scientific Course for Pharmacist Education (SCOPE), which is aimed at enhancing the knowledge of Nigerian Pharmacists.

 SCOPE, a non-promotional and free online training program for Pharmacists, consists  nine disease area modules that is accredited by the United States based Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

 Google Nigeria Country Manager, Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, in her contribution at the media conference to announce the partnership explains that "The Internet plays a key role in professional development across all sectors and it's great to see GSK and PSN driving digital awareness within the pharmaceutical sector."

 A 2013 survey  in Nigeria revealed that 50 per cent of Pharmacists seek training as a value added service from GSK. This need led to the development and launch of SCOPE, which is designed to enhance the knowledge base of pharmacists and improve pharmaceutical care outcomes for patients at the pharmacy. These would improve patient productivity and wellbeing, thereby building credibility for pharmacists within their communities. 

Jide Adeosun, Commercial Development Manager, Africa & Developing countries in Asia (ADC) commended the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) for pioneering this partnership with GSK.

“We are committed to rolling out similar programmes across Africa” he said.

In his remarks, PSN President, Olumide Akintayo said successful completion of SCOPE is now a requirement to receive 10 credit points towards the required 30 credit points under the Mandatory Continuous Professional Development (MCPD) programme of the PCN

 Akintayo noted that the partnership with GSK will further strengthen PSN’s doggedness to promote and maintain a high standard of Pharmaceutical education in Nigeria, stressing that, SCOPE “facilitates a future grounded on professionalism through new frontiers in quality education updates.’’ 

Lekan Asuni; Managing Director GSK, stated that today’s MOU signing marks a milestone for not only the Partners, PSN and GSK, but also for the pharmaceutical industry as a whole.  “We consider this education partnership a great opportunity for us at GSK to fulfil our mission of improving the quality of human life.  Through this innovative programme, SCOPE, we aim to enhance the knowledge of Nigerian pharmacists, and in turn, positively impact the lives of patients in Nigeria. The online platform was chosen to implement the modules because its more cost effective than face to face trainings with a wider reach as pharmacists in hard to reach area can benefit. Access to quality education will indeed build credibility in the Pharmaceutical industry.” 

Among key opinion leaders in attendance were heads of departments of pharmacy in Teaching Hospitals and Hospitals across the Southwest region of Nigeria; Mrs. Awofuwa, Director of Pharmacy, General Hospital, Ajeromi; Pharm. Bukky George, C.E.O, Health Plus, Pharm Dorcas Omeire, University Of Lagos Medical Centre, Mrs. Nmadu, Director of Pharmacy, Central Bank Of Nigeria Staff Clinic, Pharm Bolanle Adekoya, Deputy Director of Pharmacy, Lagos University Teaching Hospital Idi-Araba, Pharm Salami, Director of Pharmacy,   Health Service Commission and host of other dignitaries within the industry.