The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has held its 8th White Coat Ceremony for 5th-year students, officially marking their entry into their clinical years of study. The ceremony, held on the theme "A new paradigm in pharmaceutical manufacturing in Ghana: Unveiling the role of PharmD graduates in vaccine production," saw parents, faculty, industry players, alumni, and the general public in attendance.
In his opening remarks, the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Samuel Asare-Nkansah, noted that the ceremony marks the transition of the 8th Cohort of Two Hundred and Fifty-Five (255) Doctor of Pharmacy students (Rx25) from the preclinical sciences into the clinical/apprenticeship years of training. He disclosed that through the induction into pharmacy apprenticeship, external stakeholders in industry, community and hospital pharmacy, and pharmacy regulatory affairs, among others, will partner with the Faculty to provide the needed Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience to students, to groom them to professional pharmacists the world needs. He expressed appreciation to the preceptors and mentors, the Ministry of Health, the Pharmacy Council, and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana for their immense support over the years in the training of the students to become well-rounded professionals.
Professor Asare-Nkansah called for support towards the Faculty’s ‘Sponsor a Project’ initiative aimed at improving the learning environment in the reading rooms by donating tables and chairs, air conditioners, and desktop computers to equip pharmacy informatics, and laboratories.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, expressed her delight at the theme; underscoring the transformative potential that lies ahead, and the crucial role that PharmD graduates will play in the health sector in Ghana and the world at large. She noted that Ghana has relied heavily on imported vaccines; however, with the Government’s intervention, there has been the inauguration of the National Vaccine Institute to support and coordinate with domestic pharmaceutical companies to produce and manufacture vaccines in Ghana. To this end, she encouraged faculty members to seize the opportunity to train students to create a thriving pharmaceutical industry that fosters innovation, job creation, and economic growth. "As the nation’s premier Faculty for the training of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Scientists, we must continue to work very hard to be at the forefront of this quest and help to find sustainable solutions to our medication requirements," she said.
The Vice-Chancellor assured that the Faculty will continue to equip its students with a comprehensive understanding of drug discovery, development, formulation, production, and quality control expertise in vaccine manufacturing, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of safety and quality of life-saving vaccines and essential medicines for Ghanaians and beyond. "As PharmDs, we are looking forward to you playing a vital role in educating the public about the importance of vaccination, dispelling myths, and addressing vaccine hesitancy," she stated.
Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson urged the students to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and make a significant contribution to shaping a healthier and a more prosperous future for Ghana. "KNUST has trained you to be architects of change, the pioneers of innovation, and the champions of public health. This is a charge you must promise all of us you will keep at all times," she stressed.
In his keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of Pharmanova and Atlantic Lifesciences Limited, Mr. Dhananjay Tripathi, indicated that the theme was significant as it would enable PharmD students to prepare themselves to be part of the new paradigm in pharmaceutical manufacturing in Ghana. He added that they would be required to acquire some knowledge and develop a diverse range of skills and expertise such as Scientific Knowledge, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance, Technical Proficiency, Ethical and Professional Conduct, and Continuous Learning and Development.
Congratulating the PharmD students, he advised, "As you don your white coats and embark on your next phase, remember that you carry with you the hopes and aspirations of a nation. Embrace the challenges ahead with courage and conviction and always remember that our outfit is ready to support and mentor you in your pursuit of excellence in vaccine manufacturing."
He further called on stakeholders to envision a Ghana where advanced vaccine manufacturing facilities stand as symbols of progress and innovation, ensuring universal access to life-saving vaccines irrespective of socio-economic status.
The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Professor Christian Agyare, raised concerns about students' distractions during clinicals or internships. He emphasised the importance of ethical conduct and focus and urged them to act professionally.
The Dean of FPPS led the students through the pledge of professionalism that demonstrates their commitment to serving patients and loyalty to the Pharmacy profession. Chairperson of the White Coat Ceremony Committee, Dr. (Mrs.) Mercy Opare Addo led the gowning of the students. The students were gowned by Lecturers/Preceptors, Alumni, and Parents who are Pharmacists.
The 8th White Coat Ceremony was sponsored by CRUSH Smoothie and Juice Bar, Laud K Pharmacy, Peniel Engineering and Supply Limited, TOBINCO Pharmaceuticals Limited, Alpha Duo Pharmacy, Menri Pharmacy Limited, Gilat Chemist Limited, Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, and Panacea Pharmaceuticals.
