I join the Pharmaceutical Society of Jamaica in celebrating Pharmacy Week 2016 with the theme being: “Pharmacists: Advancing Sustainable Development Goals for a Healthier You”. Pharmacy Week is a timely reminder of the important role of pharmacists in healthcare delivery all over the world through the vital medicines and critical information they provide.

Healthy people contributing to the development of their communities and nation, is an objective we all strive towards. Pharmacists are indispensable in achieving healthy people and nations for sustainable development. In institutional settings, such as hospitals, pharmacists are important for the advice they provide not only to patients, but also to doctors, nurses and other health care professionals.

As experts in the composition of medicines and their interaction, pharmacists are vital for patient health and the overall wellness of persons all over the world.

As the Jamaican nation seeks to ensure the health and well-being of all our people, we take this opportunity to salute all our pharmacists for their work and contribution to the well-being of persons, families and the development of our communities and our country. The institutions and instructors responsible for the training of pharmacists in Jamaica are also deserving of commendation.

It is my hope that Pharmacy Week 2016 will be utilised by all to show appreciation to this vital profession even as the pharmacy practitioners take stock of their vocation and chart pathways for continued professional growth and development.

Happy Pharmacy Week 2016.

The Most Hon. Portia Simpson Miller ON, MP

Leader of the Opposition