Society brings healthcare education to 66 children

Daily Express

05-05-2025

Published on: Monday, May 05, 2025
Published on: Mon, May 05, 2025 Text Size: The organising committee and participants in a group photo. Kota Kinabalu: The 'My Little Pharmacist' outreach programme returned to Sabah, bringing healthcare education to children from Kota Kinabalu, Papar, Kudat and Sikuati. Organised by the Sabah Pharmaceutical Society (SPS) with support from the Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS), the event was held at the Sabah State Library, Tanjung Aru Branch. A total of 66 children from various student hostels and community groups including Caring for the Future Malaysia (Papar) and the Starfish Foundation (Kudat and Sikuati) attended the event. Over the course of 3.5 hours, children took part in a series of hands-on, role-play activities simulating a pharmacist's daily duties, preparing syrups, labeling medicines, and dispensing medications. A key educational component focused on medication safety, as children were introduced to the essential '5 Rights' of medicine use: the Right Drug, Right Dose, Right Route, Right Patient, and Right Time. One of the most spirited segments was the Power Cheer session, where children formed teams to deliver creative cheers promoting the values of teamwork, communication, and the pharmacy profession. Judging was carried out by attending parents, teachers, and guardians. Each child left with a smile and a bag full of door gifts including educational materials, vitamins, and shopping vouchers, generously contributed by event sponsors. The event was officially opened by Vicky Kang, Executive Director of Colform Berhad – the event's Platinum sponsor, accompanied by her family. In her opening remarks, Sabah Pharmaceutical Society President Hiew Chui Li emphasised the crucial role pharmacists play in strengthening primary healthcare systems. She said that the event supports the International Pharmaceutical Federation's (FIP) global campaign, 'Think Health, Think Pharmacy', which aims to deepen public understanding of pharmacists' contributions to community health. 'Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals. Beyond dispensing medicines, they play a pivotal role in patient education and health promotion,' said Hiew. 'Through programmes like My Little Pharmacist, we hope to inspire the next generation to consider pharmacy as a meaningful and impactful career especially in Sabah, where the need for local healthcare professionals remains high,' said Hiew. Event Organising Chairperson Shim Ye added: 'Our goal is to introduce children to the diverse roles of pharmacists and instil core medication safety values early on. It's never too soon to spark curiosity about healthcare.' With a perfect blend of fun, learning and inspiration, 'My Little Pharmacist' continues to nurture bright young minds, encouraging them to dream big and perhaps one day, to don the white coat as Sabah's future pharmacy professionals. Sabah Pharmaceutical Society hoped more companies and individuals will support future events that provide educational opportunities for underprivileged children.