THE PHARMACEUTICAL Society of Jamaica (PSJ) will host its retreat/expo 2004 this weekend at the Half Moon Hotel in Montego Bay, St. James.
The theme for the June 25 to 27 event is 'Promoting Health Through Excellence in Pharmacy'. According to retreat co-ordinator and president of the PSJ, Henry Harris, this topic speaks to the fact that pharmacology is a knowledge-based profession where the individual strives to obtain the cutting edge in available information and then passes on the benefits of this information to the clients.
Forty-five companies and organisations will set up exhibition booths; the largest in the retreat's history. Mr. Henry attributed this to the PSJ starting their campaign early in trying to attract new groups.
VARIOUS TOPICS
There will be a number of seminars addressing various topics. Included among them are 'A New Look at Erectile Dysfunction', 'Successful Management of the Community Pharmacy in Jamaica' and 'Fundamental Changes Proposed in the Pharmacy Act of Jamaica'.
The weekend starts with a welcome reception on Friday evening. Various presentations are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Saturday evening will also see a banquet and awards ceremony where Dr. Anthony Vendryes will be guest speaker. Mr. Harris noted that there will be a new focus on community pharmacies, especially at the awards.
"Apart from the fact that they have, before now, been unrecognised, we thought that we at the PSJ were the ideal organisation to make this landmark gesture. Some of these pharmacies have been in their communities for 40 to 50 years and they give yeoman service to health care," he pointed out.
Apart from the many exhibits and talks, guests will have the opportunity to participate in more 'hands on' sessions, including healthy cooking techniques and aromatherapy and massage therapy.
The retreat is in its 19th year, having originally been named the 'Annual Continuing Education Seminar'. Over the three days, over 300 pharmacists are expected to hear the lectures. The exhibitions are open to the public.
