Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society Quiz

Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS)

• MPS is a national association for pharmacists in Malaysia.
• Formerly known as the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society.
• Motto: "Service towards a healthy society" ("Berkhidmat untuk kesihatan rakyat").
• Represents pharmacists' and the public's interests through representatives on the Pharmacy Board and Poisons Board of the Ministry of Health.
• Has 5 membership categories:
  • Ordinary membership (all registered pharmacists, can opt for life membership)
  • Associate membership (graduates of pharmacy not preparing for registration, or those teaching in recognized institutions of higher learning, but not registered pharmacists)
  • Provisionally Registered Pharmacist (PRP) membership (graduates preparing for registration as pharmacists)
  • UG Students membership (all Malaysian UG pharmacy students - under MyPSA)
  • PG Pharmacist membership

History of MPS

• In the early 1900s, two pharmaceutical associations existed for pharmacists:
  • Penang Pharmaceutical Association (based in Penang, as most pharmacists were there)
  • Straits Pharmaceutical Association (based in Singapore, including members from the Colony of Singapore and the southern part of the Federation of Malaya, especially Johor).
• On May 31, 1949, the Straits Pharmaceutical Association was renamed the Malayan Pharmaceutical Association.
• This association had 2 Divisions:
  • Southern Division: Primarily based in Singapore representing pharmacist members from the Colony of Singapore
  • Northern Division: Incorporated the Penang Pharmaceutical Association, representing pharmacists from the Federation.
• The number of pharmacists in 1955 was about 30.
• Involved in drafting Ordinances: Poison Ordinance, Pharmacists Registration Ordinance, Advertising & Sale of Medicine Ordinance, Dangerous Drug Ordinance.
• Annual subscription fees during this time were 12 Malayan dollars per year.
• In 1967, the present Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society was formed and registered under the Registrar of Societies after the separation of Malaysia and Singapore.

MPS

• MPS is the only organization that represents all pharmacists (private and public).
• Represents all sectors of pharmacists.

Public and Private Pharmacists

• Includes:
  • Government hospitals (patient counseling, drug supply, ward supply management)
  • Private hospitals (similar functions to government hospitals)
  • Community pharmacists
  • Pharmaceutical trading companies
  • Factories manufacturing pharmaceuticals
  • Factories manufacturing health products and cosmetics
  • Research/analytical laboratories
  • Universities (lecturers and department heads)
  • NPRA (regulatory departments as regulatory enforcement officers)
  • Veterinary companies

Aims of MPS

• Promote and maintain the honor and interest of the pharmacy profession.
• Encourage and further develop pharmacy and pharmaceutical education, fostering intra-professional relationships among members.
• Improve the Science of Pharmacy for the general welfare of the public, furthering scientific and professional publication of information relating to the practice of pharmacy and aiding discovery, invention, and research.
• Uphold and enhance the standards and ethics of the profession.
• Affiliate and cooperate with organizations to further MPS aims.
• Represent members' views on important professional matters.
• Assist in improving the health service in the country.
• Endorsed the Code of Conduct for Pharmacists and Bodies Corporate by the Pharmacy Board.

Roles of MPS

• Represents pharmacists in various forums.
• Protects the interests of pharmacists.
• Involved in:
  • Dispensing separation (dispensing market vs. prescribing market)
  • Health care financing
  • Poisons Board
  • Malaysian Professional Centre
  • Pharmacy Board
  • Recognition of pharmacy degrees

Activities of MPS

• Continuing education
• Improving professionalism and visibility
• Support for student activities (student's chapter)
• Seminars and conferences

MPS Council

• Elected by members during the annual general meeting.
• Hold office for 2 years.
• Voluntary positions.
• Current president is Mr. Amrahi Buang.

Malaysian Academy of Pharmacy (MAP)

• First AGM on January 10, 2004.
• Has a council and a principal.
• Academic matters (CPD, Professional courses)
• Mission:
  • Provide CPD opportunities for lifelong learning among pharmacists.
  • Provide a platform for sharing knowledge, skills, and experience, among pharmacy educators, researchers, and practitioners, as well as policy makers.
  • Advocate and facilitate the provision, credentialing, and accreditation of specialists and advanced-level practitioners in pharmacy practice.
  • Promote innovations in pharmacy practice, research, and education.

MAP - Aims and Objectives

• Advance the Art and Science of Pharmacy.
• Promote study and research in pharmacy and scientific problems.
• Promote and maintain high standards of professional practice.
• Maintain a high code of ethical conduct among members.
• Represent, express, and give effect to members' views and opinions.
• Protect the interest and dignity of the Malaysian Academy of Pharmacy

MAP - Aims and Objectives (2)

• Offer scholarships, study awards, and other grants.
• Support and fund educational activities.
• Enhance and improve general public health awareness and cooperation.

Challenges

• Membership
• Finance
• Authority (Compared to RPSGB)
  • Registration
  • Recognition of pharmacy degrees
  • Disciplinary action against pharmacists

Malaysian Community Pharmacists Association (MCPG)

• Legally established on October 7, 2005.
• Previously known as the Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild (MCPG), changed to MCPG on April 8, 2013.
• National professional organization for community pharmacists and pharmacy owners.
• Represents one-third of 10,480 registered and qualified pharmacists in Malaysia (as of May 2013).

Main Objectives of MCPG

• Promote and protect the honor and interests of pharmacies in industrial matters.
• Enhance and uphold professional standards and ethics in community pharmacy.
• Protect and improve the interests of community pharmacists (including exclusive dispensing of medicines).
• Encourage and spearhead advancement of pharmaceutical education and sciences through publishing relevant professional information and knowledge (particularly community pharmacy practice).
• Represent the views of members before the public and relevant government bodies/organizations.
• Affiliate/cooperate with other organizations to enhance MCPG's objectives.
• Assist the country to enjoy better pharmacy care (quality pharmaceutical products and effective medication management,.
• Monitor appropriate distribution and sustained growth of community pharmacies.
• Strengthen bona fide management of community pharmacies, as required by pharmacy legislation.
• Improve management control of community pharmacies.

Test your knowledge about the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) and its roles in the pharmacy sector. This quiz covers key functions of pharmacists, the representation of various sectors, and the Society's influence on pharmacy education and ethical conduct.