The role of pharmacy professionals is evolving rapidly. Beyond dispensing medicines, pharmacists and pharmacy personnel are expected to promote the safe and effective use of medicines, prevent medication-related problems, educate patients, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to improve health outcomes. As healthcare systems continue to develop, continuous professional education has become an essential component of competent pharmacy practice.
In Somalia, pharmacy professionals work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community pharmacies, academic institutions, humanitarian organizations, and regulatory bodies. While pharmacy education provides a strong scientific foundation, many professionals seek additional opportunities to strengthen their practical skills and remain up to date with current standards of pharmacy practice.
Recognizing this need, Dr. Sumait Hospital, SIMAD University, and the Somali Pharmacists Association have collaborated to establish the Essential Pharmacy Practice Program. The program is designed to provide practical, evidence-informed training that supports pharmacy professionals in delivering high-quality pharmaceutical care and improving patient safety.
Why This Program?
Safe and effective medication use is a cornerstone of quality healthcare. Pharmacy professionals play a critical role in ensuring that patients receive the right medicine, at the right dose, at the right time, while minimizing medication errors and preventable harm.
The Essential Pharmacy Practice Certificate Program aims to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and everyday pharmacy practice by emphasizing practical competencies that participants can immediately apply in their workplaces.
What Participants Can Expect
The program is designed to provide a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. Topics are expected to include:
- Principles of good pharmacy practice
- Safe medication dispensing and prescription assessment
- Medication safety and prevention of medication errors
- Patient counselling and communication skills
- Rational use of medicines
- Professional ethics and legal responsibilities
- Practical case discussions based on real-world scenarios
- Responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence tools to support pharmacy practice
Throughout the program, participants will be encouraged to apply these concepts through discussions, practical exercises, and case-based learning.
Who Should Attend?
The program is suitable for:
- Pharmacists
- Pharmacy technicians
- Pharmacy students approaching graduation
- Other healthcare professionals interested in strengthening their knowledge of medication use and pharmacy practice
Whether participants are beginning their careers or have years of professional experience, the program is designed to reinforce core competencies that are essential across different areas of pharmacy practice.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, participants are expected to be better prepared to:
- Apply principles of safe and effective pharmacy practice.
- Identify and help prevent medication-related problems.
- Improve patient counselling and communication.
- Promote rational medicine use.
- Utilize reliable drug information resources to support clinical decisions.
- Contribute to medication safety and quality improvement initiatives.
- Strengthen professional confidence in day-to-day pharmacy practice.
Investing in the Future of Pharmacy Practice
Developing a skilled pharmacy workforce is an investment in safer healthcare systems and better patient outcomes. Continuous professional development enables pharmacy professionals to respond to evolving healthcare needs while maintaining high standards of practice.
The Essential Pharmacy Practice Program reflects a shared commitment by its organizing institutions to support pharmacy education, professional development, and the advancement of pharmacy practice in Somalia.
Register Your Interest
Registration for the Essential Pharmacy Practice Certificate Program is now open.
If you are interested in strengthening your pharmacy practice knowledge and skills, we invite you to complete the registration form using the link below:
Registration Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoFSp-s2vD1dypW2AVcAPjIoVAlbeJculL8eAN3w1m5URKNQ/viewform?usp=header
Please note that submitting the registration form does not guarantee enrollment. As places are limited, applicants will receive further communication regarding confirmation, the final program schedule, instructors, and participation details.
We look forward to welcoming the next cohort of pharmacy professionals committed to advancing safe, effective, and patient-centered pharmacy practice in Somalia.