Role of pharmacist in civil services

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary objective of educating the public about quality use of medicines?

To increase the production of pharmaceuticals

To reduce the cost of medications

To promote the sale of traditional medicines

To enhance medication adherence and improve treatment outcomes (correct)

Which activity is NOT conducted by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA)?

Monitoring adverse drug reactions

Issuing licenses for cosmetic production

Performing surgical procedures (correct)

Conducting raids on unregistered product suppliers

What does market surveillance of pharmaceuticals involve?

Exporting pharmaceuticals to foreign markets

Collecting consumer feedback

Advertising new drug launches

Random sampling and analytical testing (correct)

What role does the NPRA play in the approval of special exemptions for unregistered products?

Processes applications from various sectors including research labs Signup and view all the answers

How does the NPRA ensure compliance in advertisements for pharmaceuticals?

By monitoring advertisements in both printed and electronic media Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is involved in the initial registration of drugs and cosmetic products?

Technical data evaluation and laboratory analysis Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary functions of the National Drug Information Centre?

Provide drug-related information and support Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of conducting raids on manufacturers and suppliers of unregistered products?

To ensure only registered products are available in the market Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary task of pharmacy services prior to independence in Malaysia?

Procurement, storage, and distribution of drugs Signup and view all the answers

Which act was NOT enforced in the early development of pharmacy services in Malaysia?

Dangerous Substances Act 1952 Signup and view all the answers

What significant division was established in Malaysia's pharmaceutical services in 1969?

Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division Signup and view all the answers

What activity is NOT part of the responsibilities of the Pharmacy Services Programme, MOH?

Conducting pharmaceutical experiments Signup and view all the answers

Which section focuses on the optimization of pharmacy staff placement across Malaysia?

Human resource & career Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key aspect of the National Medicines Policy (DUNAS)?

Implementing stakeholder review processes Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the objectives of the government in the pharmaceutical sector?

To improve health outcomes through equitable access to essential medicines Signup and view all the answers

What ensures that pharmacy services' strategic plans are followed through in Malaysia?

Effective distribution of human resources Signup and view all the answers

Which component is essential in ensuring drug affordability according to the content?

Pharmacoeconomic principles Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary focus of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for pharmacy personnel?

Improving competency Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the Pharmacy Board?

To manage applications for registration and deregistration of pharmacists Signup and view all the answers

Which section focuses on planning and managing procurement practices in Ministry of Health institutions?

Pharmaceutical Logistic Signup and view all the answers

What is an important training aspect for the members of the Pharmaceutical Services Program?

ICT-related trainings Signup and view all the answers

Why is effective pharmacy practice critical in improving pharmacy services?

It ensures quality in drug procurement and usage. Signup and view all the answers

What does the formulation of tracking indicators such as KPI and QAP primarily relate to?

Quality monitoring in pharmaceutical services Signup and view all the answers

What is one way to promote rational use of medicines?

By ensuring affordability and good quality of medicines Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

Pharmacy services began in the country in 1951, with the implementation of the Registration of Pharmacist Act 1951, the Poisons Act 1952, and the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Prior to independence, the primary function was procuring, storing, and distributing drugs from the UK via Crown Agents.

Pharmacist in the Civil Service

The title "Pegawai farmasi (Pharmacist)" was established.
The Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division was officially formed in 1969 to meet the growing pharmaceutical needs.
Previous titles included Ahli Kimia Ubat (Pharmaceutical Chemistry Superintendent) and Penguasa ahli kimia ubat (PAKU).

PPF KKM

This is the Pharmaceutical Services Programme under the Ministry of Health (MOH).
The roles include:
- Leading the Pharmaceutical Services Division.
- Managing the Secretariat for Lembaga Farmasi Malaysia, Lembaga Iklan Ubat, and Lembaga Racun.
- Developing and implementing pharmaceutical policies in Malaysia.
- Planning for staff needs.
- Managing pharmacists and their services under the MOH.

Pharmacy Policy & Management

Ensuring strategic plans and policies are implemented correctly.
Ensuring proper allocation of human resources.
Providing relevant and continuous training.
Guaranteeing quality maintenance across all service levels.
Managing financial matters according to rules and guidelines.
Subsections include:
- Human resource and career planning and distribution.
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to improve competence and skill development.
- National Medicines Policy (DUNAS): planning, coordinating, and monitoring of all activities. National Medicines Policy evaluation and review with stakeholder engagement.
- Relations and innovation: coordinating quality management systems (KPI, QAP, 5S, and Client Charter), and implementing relevant IT-based training programmes for PSP members.

Malaysian National Medicines Policy (DUNAS)

An official Malaysian government document.
Defines and prioritizes medium- to long-term pharmaceutical sector goals.
Strategies for improving health outcomes.
Main objectives include providing equitable access to essential medicines, promoting rational use of safe, effective and affordable essential medicines of good quality.
8 Components: quality, safety, efficacy, drug affordability, and research and development.
2nd edition reviewed in October 2012.

Pharmacy Practice & Development

Ensuring the quality of drug procurement and usage through effective practice.
Aimed at improving pharmacy services in Malaysia to meet standards with other developed countries.
Subsections include:
- Clinical and Technical: planning and coordinating pharmaceutical care services (e.g., medication counseling, MTAC, clinical pharmacy services) in MOH facilities.
- Formulary and Pharmacoeconomics: drug evaluation for formulary listing, using pharmacoeconomic principles.
- Pharmaceutical Logistics: planning, coordinating, and managing procurement practices.
- Medicine Prices: disseminating information on medicine pricing to consumers, providing recommended retail prices (RRP) reported by wholesalers.
- Pharmacy Board: managing the application registration and deregistration for pharmacists and bodies corporates. Conducting the relevant exams for pharmacist registration. Improving and monitoring the quality of pharmaceutical services Division’s research and studies.
- Quality Use of Medicines: educating the public on the appropriate use of medication to promote understanding and adherence to improve treatment outcomes.

Pharmacy Enforcement

Securing that all pharmaceuticals, traditional medicines, and cosmetics in the market are genuine, through proper registration and notification.
Subsections include:
- Intelligence and Operation: conducting raids on premises selling unregistered products or un-notified cosmetics.
- Licensing and Control: coordinating screening and inspection of imported products and controlled substances.
- Legislation: Processing applications for special exemptions to import unregistered products from relevant sources.
- Advertisement and Innovation: monitoring advertisements to ensure compliance with rules and regulations. Consumer awareness regarding registered products.

NPRA (National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency)

Formerly known as the National Pharmaceutical Control Laboratory and the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (Biro Pengawalan Farmaseutikal Kebangsaan).
Established in October 1978 under the Pharmacy and Supply Programme.
Responsible for implementing quality control of pharmaceutical products.
NPRA's Roles:
- Registration of drugs and cosmetics.
- Regulation of the pharmaceutical industry.
- Licensing for manufacture, import, and wholesale of pharmaceutical products, including clinical trials.
- Monitoring of adverse drug reactions.
- Market surveillance of pharmaceuticals with random sampling and testing.
- Providing quality control for drugs.
- Operating the National Drug Information Centre.

Enforcement Division MOH

Responsible for control at entry points (conducting surveillance and raids).
Prosecutions related to unregistered, counterfeit, and adulterated products beginning in 1978.
Inspections of records related to controlled substances.

Education

Teaching responsibilities at public universities.

Research

Conducting research at various research institutes.
FRIM (Forest Research Institute), PORIM (Palm Oil Research Institute), IMR (Institute of Medical Research), SIRIM, and MINT (Malaysian Institute of Nuclear Technology).

Military

Providing pharmacy services in war and disaster.
Supplying medicine to soldiers in the field and jungle hospitals.

Hospital

Pharmacist roles within hospitals services are omitted.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages: stable employment, healthcare benefits, scholarships and loans, service focus.
Disadvantages: potential salary concerns, relatively slow career advancement, and transferring between locations.

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Description

Explore the development and evolution of pharmacy services in Malaysia from 1951 with the establishment of key acts to the roles within the civil service. This quiz covers the formation of the Pharmaceutical Chemistry Division and the functions of the Pharmaceutical Services Programme under the Ministry of Health.