MEDICAL OUTREACH IN EKET

 Written by Pharm Peter Gbuchie.

History was made in Eket LGA in Akwa Ibom state as Members of the Association of Community Pharmacists, Nigeria (ACPN) in Eket zone under the umbrella body of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) made a visit to Qua Iboe Church Secondary School, Eket on Friday, 22nd of October, 2021.

The Principal, Mr Evans Ekpedeme welcomed the Pharmacists and gave the go ahead for the senior class students to assemble in the school chapel to kick start the event by 11am.

The events started with an opening prayer after which Pharm Nkori kept the students active.

Pharm Donatus  Adigom who moderated the events gave an outline of the the activities to be conducted.

The first talk was given by Pharm Rita Elijah, she intimated the students on Career paths in the Pharmacy Profession, she highlighted the meaning of a Pharmacist,the duties of a pharmacist and the different areas one can practice in the profession. This was indeed an insightful lecture.

The next lecture was on drug abuse and drug misuse, the lecturer Pharm Donatus who doubled as the moderator clearly defined the two terms, and urged them to take their medications as prescribed by a health care professional, this topic generated lots of questions such as: Should one take the instructions written on the drug product or the one given by the professional as the response was to stick to the professional medical instructions. 

Also the need to avoid engaging in drug abuse as it may lead to detrimental effects, the best option is to stop even though it may cause withdrawal symptoms which is only transient, also the need to seek out help from Healthcare providers and parents. The questions were handled by other Pharmacists present: Pharm Edikan, Pharm Patience, Pharm Mrs Ido, and Pharm Nkori.

After which Pharm Peace Abuse- came on up stage and talked about Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), she emphasized the need for the students to focus on their academics and avoid sexual relationships which are not necessary, she made them know the different examples of STDs and the harm they cause to people. Questions were raise on how best to avoid them and Pharm Uzoamaka, a member of the outreach committee hinted on abstinence as the best way to prevent such diseases.

Pharm Peter Gbuchie, who worked in the outreach committee came after and spoke on Life After School, he instructed the students to take the outreach topics seriously as it will prepare them effectively for life after school, he also hinted on acquiring basic schools while awaiting admission into the university, also getting involved in the community, volunteering for outreaches, development of their talents such as writing, also to develop savings habit, to stick to good moral principles and gain good character.

Pharm Mrs Ido gave a vote of thanks and prayed for the students in the hall.

The Vice principal came on stage, he was elated and was happy as the students were enlightened on the Pharmacy Profession.

The Principal, Mr Evans Ekpedeme was grateful for the medical outreach and beckoned on the Pharmacists to come again as he fell in love with the activity.

Part of the event included sharing of exercise books and pens to all the students in the outreach and checking of blood pressure for the teachers and proper counseling.

Other Pharmacists present in the outreach were : Pharm Tope ,Pharm Utibe and Pharm Maureen.

Other Pharmacists who supported the outreach but couldn't make it to the outreach included Pharm Mrs Abasiama Uwatt (ACPN Chairperson Akwa Ibom state), Pharm Mrs Umoren, Pharm Mrs  Nzedibe, Pharm  Affiong, Pharm Eno-Obong, Pharm Idongesit, Pharm Edidiong, Pharm Goodness, Pharm Grace and Pharm Chika.

Highlight of the events were taking of pictures with the teachers and the students and all dispersed happily.