The 31st Singapore Pharmacy Congress (SPC) 2022 was successfully held physically and virtually in Singapore from 23rd-24th July 2022, connecting pharmacists from diverse backgrounds both onsite and online. It has been 3 years since SPC was last held at Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre in 2019. This was the first ever hybrid congress organised by the PSS and this year’s theme of “Emerging Healthcare in a Brave New World!” attracted nearly 800 participants and 80 abstract submissions across the nation. The theme for this year’s Congress is in line with the recent Ministry of Health’s Healthier SG initiative as the talks featured how pharmacy has transformed healthcare, emerged in crisis situations, and strive towards better health together.
Dr Janil Puthucheary, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Communications and Information, was the Guest of Honour and along with Dr Camilla Wong, MOH Chief Pharmacist, Dr Vivianne Shih, President of 116th PSS Council, Ms Vivian Chin and Ms Yvonne Ng, 31st SPC Co-Chairpersons, marked the opening of the Congress by scanning the very symbolic “31st SPC Check-In” QR codes.
Dr Janil Puthucheary expressed his gratitude to the pharmacy profession for their courage and solidarity in supporting the entire healthcare system, embracing innovation and digital transformation, and for their contributions in improving the health of the nation.
Dr Prem Kumar Nair, the keynote speaker, shared his experience in value-based healthcare and healthcare transformation. The 2-day hybrid programme discussed a myriad of topics such as supply chain resiliency, paradigm shifts in care delivery, emerging healthcare trends and their relevant impact to pharmacy. Additionally, it also shared how the pharmacy profession has and will transform beyond traditional roles through the embracement of technological innovation and the continual development towards a resilient, adaptable, and future-ready Pharmacy Workforce to meet the population's healthcare needs.
At the end of Day 1 of the congress, attendees were invited to SPC Social Night held at TAP Craft Beer @ Millenia Walk where attendees had an enjoyable and memorable night catching up and connecting with each other over games and food.
The 31st SPC 2022 concluded at the end of Day 2 after a series of Pre-congress workshops and 2-day programme. Congratulations to all award winners and poster and oral presentation winners for the outstanding achievements. All in all, it was a successful event for synergistic exchange of ideas, and it also served as a platform to inspire innovation and research and expand our professional network, so that the pharmacy community can emerge stronger in a brave new world.
See you again in SPC 2023!
Authored by Ms Vivian Chin (Co-Chairperson, 31st Singapore Pharmacy Congress)
