The IPhAQ community, since its inception in 2015, has grown from 100 to an impressive 300+ members, and has been a strong pillar of support for the people in need. I specially thank IPhAQ for being actively involved with the Embassy of India, Doha in the service of the community. It has organised medical camps by offering essential healthcare services and providing necessary medications to low-income workers across Qatar. IPhAQ’s phenomenal work during COVID-19 is widely acknowledged.

As the Executive Director of Pharmacy at HMC, I am proud of the contributions of our profession, and I am confident that our role will continue to evolve and expand to meet the dynamic healthcare needs of our time. Let us use this occasion to reflect on our achievements, renew our commitment to excellence, and look ahead to a future where pharmacists continue to be the bedrock of strong and resilient health systems.

In recent times, we have learned lessons from the notorious COVID-19 pandemic, and part of our curricular reforms and education research activities is to create a critical mass of pharmacists who are competent in emergency preparedness and the delivery of pharmaceutical services during natural and manmade disasters. I congratulate all pharmacists on the World Pharmacists Day 2023.

“Pharmacy strengthening health systems”. As medication therapy experts, pharmacists have a professional obligation to strengthen healthcare system and improve healthcare outcomes. We shall take more leading role in providing public health services and primary care settings, including vaccination, travel health, tobacco cessation, cardiovascular diseases and cancer prevention, among others.