The Governor of the ||Kharas Region, Dawid Gertze, has hailed pharmacists as unsung heroes for their role in ensuring essential medicines are available in the health care system. 

Speaking at the launch of National Pharmacy Week in the ||Kharas Region, the governor commended pharmacy teams at state medical facilities for their dedication and commitment amid limited resources. 

Themed 'Think Health, Think Pharmacist', the Pharmacy Week kicked off with a street parade aimed at highlighting pharmacy services that are closer to the communities. 

"When we talk about good health, we cannot forget the foundation of proper medicine use and pharmaceutical care. It's us failing the process, and I'm happy that you keep it your call to give us the right medicine at the time with the correct prescriptions coming from the doctors," said Gertze. 

The Acting Regional Pharmacist at the Keetmanshoop District Hospital, Siana Nsakolo, stressed the safe use of medicine. 

"I encourage all to continue to work together across all disciplines to strengthen health delivery in our region, and let's also continue educating our communities about the safe use of medicine. So, safe use of medicine cuts across several things; it could be how to dispose of expired or damaged medicines."

The Keetmanshoop District State Hospital Chief Medical Officer, Evans Sanga, also addressed the occasion. 

"We think, 'I'll just go to the pharmacist to get my medicine,' but they're more than dispensers. They are the access point of the hospital; they are looking at how safe the medicine can be. We can write the medicine, but we don't know the right code; they will remind us of the right dose."

Other activities planned for the Pharmacy Week celebrations include a student pharmacy career fair, an in-house competition, and engagement sessions with prescribers.