By Sola Ogundipe

NIGERIAN pharmacists can ow enhance their skills and knowledge through an innovative, non-promotional and free online training programme tagged Scientific Course for Pharmacist Education, SCOPE.

The initiative, which is a collaborative effort between multinational pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline, GSK, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, PSN, consists nine disease area modules accredited by the United States-based Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, ACPE..

Last week, at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, Managing Director, GSK, Mr. Lekan Asuni, described the partnership as a milestone for the nation’s pharmaceutical industry.

“We consider this education partnership a great opportunity for us at GSK to fulfil our mission of improving the quality of human life. Through this innovative programme, SCOPE, we aim to enhance the knowledge of Nigerian pharmacists, and in turn, positively impact the lives of patients in Nigeria.”

Asuni said the online platform was chosen for the modules because of cost effectiveness and wider reach for pharmacists in hard-to reach areas.

“Access to quality education will indeed build credibility in the Pharmaceutical industry.”

In his remarks, PSN President, Olumide Akintayo said successful completion of SCOPE is now a requirement to receive 10 credit points towards the required 30 credit points under the Mandatory Continuous Professional Development Programme of the PCN

Akintayo said the partnership would strengthen promotion and maintenance of a high standard of pharmaceutical education in Nigeria. “SCOPE facilitates a future grounded on professionalism through new frontiers in quality education updates,’’ he stated.

Google Nigeria Country Manager, Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, at the announcement of the partnership observed the key role of the Internet in professional development across all sectors towards driving digital awareness within the pharmaceutical sector.”

A 2013 survey in Nigeria revealed that 50 per cent of pharmacists seek training as a value added service from GSK. This need led to the development and launch of SCOPE, which is designed to enhance the knowledge base of pharmacists and improve pharmaceutical care outcomes for patients at the pharmacy.

Experts say this would improve patient productivity and wellbeing and build credibility for pharmacists in their communities.

Jide Adeosun, Commercial Development Manager, Africa & Developing Countries in Asia, ADC said simlar programmes were being rolled out across Africa.