The 19th Singapore Pharmacy Congress was held successfully between 19-21 Oct 2007 at The Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel.

Emcee, Ms.Chang Chia Yang, initiated the meeting.

Arrival of Guest of Honour.

This year’s theme was “From Quality Medicines to Quality Healthcare”. The opening ceremony was held on Friday evening, 19 Oct 2007. The event was attended by more than 320 invited guests, dignitaries, pharmacy leaders, stake holders and various friends from local and overseas, colleagues from the scientific, academic and business sectors. The guest of honour was Madam Halimah Yacob, Member of Parliament for Jurong GRC and Chair of Government Parliamentary Committee for Health. In her speech, Madam Halimah touched on the significant roles pharmacists play in the healthcare system, the contribution pharmacists in various sectors in helping managing the costs and patients. The full draft of her speech can be read here.

Opening speech by Ms Lim Ching Hui, Chair of Organising Committee.

Mdm Halimah's address at the opening ceremony.

Mdm Halimah with the PSS President.

The ensuing two full days of main congress featured 20 insightful lectures and forum discussions presented by local as well as foreign speakers. There were 6 invited overseas speakers who were hailed from Australia, China, Korea, Malaysia and UK.

with some of our regional guests from China, Korea and Malaysia.

Their broad experience proved to be a great appeal with some of the sessions stretched for more time. In terms of coverage of topics, all efforts were made by the Organising Committee to cater for the wide ranging interest and area of specialties for our pharmacists. Topics which had formerly not been very much covered were presented with very good reception. Issues on policy on standard drug list and healthcare financing were deliberated; pharmacy management and lean work processes; hospital pharmacy practice; manpower planning; drug regulations and prescription/dispensing separation; pharmacovigilance; competency training models etc.

Poster viewing

Fatimah explained some poster data to Mdm Halimah.

All in, the 2-full day of sessions were action packed. More than 500 delegates who participated went home with loads of new knowledge, ideas and energy to move the respective practice forward. The event was also an excellent avenue for meeting old friends and make new contacts. And not forgetting the "side effect" of gaining a bit of extra calories besides the vital CPE points.

Great place to network, agin..!

few more CPE points please..!

..get some food before another lecture.

The Organising Commmittee would like to thanks all participants, speakers, sponsors, student volunteers and secretariat for the selfless support which has translated into fruitful meeting. See you again next year!

scouting for more knowledge!

Our hardworking team of student volunteers.

Until we meet again, next year!

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