In a much-anticipated announcement, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) disclosed the results of the April 2024 Pharmacists Licensure Examination. The examination, conducted by the Board of Pharmacy across various locations including N. C. R., Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Lucena, Pampanga, Rosales, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga, saw a total of 2,147 aspiring pharmacists vie for licensure, with 1,185 emerging victorious.
Among the plethora of institutions participating in the examination, three schools stood out for their exceptional performance, as per Commission Resolution No. 2017-1058(C) series of 2017.
Mariano Marcos State University - Batac secured the top spot with an outstanding performance. Out of 64 examinees, an impressive 62 successfully passed the examination, boasting a remarkable 96.88% passing rate.
Following closely behind, Southwestern University claimed the second position, with 44 out of 50 examinees passing, reflecting an 88.00% success rate.
Meanwhile, the University of Santo Tomas clinched the third spot with a commendable performance. Out of 62 examinees, 54 emerged victorious, yielding an 87.10% passing rate.
The fourth position was secured by the University of San Agustin, where 120 out of 147 examinees successfully cleared the examination, marking an 81.63% passing rate.
Individual excellence was also celebrated as the top ten performers were recognized for their exceptional achievements. Rhedz-Wei Talling Hadjula, a graduate of Universidad de Zamboanga (for.ZAEC), secured the first rank with an impressive rating of 92.85. Anthony Castillon Tocayon from the University of the Philippines - Manila claimed the second rank with a stellar rating of 92.50. Nick David Martinez Corcino from the University of San Agustin followed closely behind, securing the third position with an outstanding rating of 92.47.
The announcement of the licensure examination results has not only brought joy and pride to the successful examinees but has also highlighted the continuous commitment of educational institutions to uphold excellence in pharmaceutical education. Moreover, it underscores the rigorous standards set by the PRC and the Board of Pharmacy to ensure that only competent and qualified professionals enter the field of pharmacy.
With the addition of these newly licensed pharmacists to the workforce, the pharmaceutical industry in the Philippines is poised to receive a significant boost in expertise and manpower, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of healthcare services nationwide.
As these aspiring pharmacists embark on their professional journey, equipped with the knowledge and skills acquired through years of rigorous education and training, they are poised to make meaningful contributions to society, furthering the advancement of pharmaceutical science and promoting the well-being of communities across the Philippines.
SOURCE:
PRC Philippines
Functions Overview of the Pharmacist Profession
Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals responsible for ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. They work in various settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and pharmaceutical companies. Here’s an overview of their functions:
1. Medication Dispensing
- Prescription Fulfillment: Reviewing prescriptions from healthcare providers and dispensing appropriate medications to patients.
- Dosage Calculation: Ensuring accurate dosage calculations based on patient characteristics such as age, weight, and medical history.
- Labeling: Providing clear and accurate labels on medication containers with instructions for use, precautions, and warnings.
- Patient Counseling: Providing counseling to patients on medication use, potential side effects, interactions, and storage guidelines.
2. Medication Management
- Medication Review: Conducting medication reviews to identify potential drug interactions, duplications, or contraindications.
- Medication Therapy Management (MTM): Providing comprehensive medication management services, including optimizing drug therapy, addressing adherence issues, and monitoring patient outcomes.
- Medication Reconciliation: Ensuring accurate medication lists during transitions of care to prevent medication errors.
3. Prescription Verification and Clinical Checks
- Drug Utilization Review (DUR): Conducting clinical checks to ensure the appropriateness of prescribed medications, including dosage, frequency, and duration.
- Therapeutic Equivalency: Substituting medications with equivalent alternatives when appropriate, following state regulations and physician approval.
- Allergy Screening: Checking for potential medication allergies or sensitivities before dispensing medications.
4. Immunizations and Health Screenings
- Vaccination Services: Administering vaccines and providing immunization counseling to prevent infectious diseases.
- Health Screenings: Conducting screenings for conditions such as influenza, cholesterol, and blood pressure to promote early detection and prevention of diseases.
5. Compounding and Specialty Pharmacy Services
- Compounding: Customizing medications to meet unique patient needs, such as flavoring for pediatric patients or dosage adjustments for individuals with swallowing difficulties.
- Specialty Pharmacy: Providing specialized medications and services for patients with complex or rare medical conditions, such as oncology, transplant, or HIV/AIDS.
6. Medication Education and Public Health Promotion
- Patient Education: Educating patients and caregivers on medication adherence, proper administration techniques, and potential side effects.
- Health Promotion: Promoting public health initiatives such as smoking cessation, weight management, and medication adherence programs.
- Community Outreach: Participating in community health fairs, screenings, and educational events to raise awareness of health-related issues.
7. Collaborative Care and Interprofessional Communication
- Healthcare Team Collaboration: Collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to optimize patient care and outcomes.
- Consultation Services: Providing medication-related consultation and advice to healthcare professionals, including medication selection, dosing, and monitoring.
8. Medication Safety and Quality Assurance
- Medication Error Prevention: Implementing strategies to reduce medication errors, such as barcode scanning, double-check procedures, and patient identification protocols.
- Adverse Event Monitoring: Monitoring and reporting adverse drug reactions and medication errors to promote medication safety and quality improvement.
9. Regulatory Compliance and Pharmacy Management
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing pharmacy practice, including pharmacy licensure, drug storage, and controlled substance dispensing.
- Inventory Management: Managing pharmacy inventory, including ordering, stocking, and monitoring medication supplies to ensure availability and minimize waste.
- Pharmacy Operations: Overseeing day-to-day pharmacy operations, including staffing, scheduling, and workflow management.
10. Continuing Education and Professional Development
- Continuing Education: Participating in ongoing education and training programs to stay updated on advances in pharmacy practice, pharmacotherapy, and healthcare trends.
- Certifications and Specializations: Pursuing specialized certifications and training in areas such as pharmacotherapy, geriatrics, oncology, or ambulatory care pharmacy.
Pharmacists play a critical role in patient care by ensuring the safe, effective, and appropriate use of medications. Their expertise in pharmacology, patient counseling, and healthcare management makes them essential members of the healthcare team, contributing to improved patient outcomes and public health.