Port-au-Prince, 27 June 2024 (PAHO) - From June 3 to 7, 2024, the Direction de la Pharmacie, du Médicament et de la Médecine Traditionnelle (DPM/MT) of the Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population (MSPP), in collaboration with the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), organized an orientation seminar for fourth-year students at the Faculty of Pharmacy of the Université d'Etat d'Haïti. The aim of the event was to familiarize future pharmacists with pharmaceutical regulations in Haiti, covering crucial aspects such as standards and procedures for manufacturing, importing, distributing and dispensing medicines.
Nearly 40 students benefited from an intensive program combining theoretical and practical instruction. The seminar began with a series of theoretical presentations enabling participants to understand the fundamentals of health product regulation, as well as the responsibilities of the national pharmaceutical regulatory authority in Haiti. The interactive sessions, including practical case studies on Autorisation de Mise sur le Marché (AMM), particularly caught the attention of participants, offering a practical perspective on the application of pharmaceutical regulations.
One of the main objectives of the seminar was to prepare future professionals to understand and navigate the complex regulatory framework of the pharmaceutical sector. "Students need to familiarize themselves with the procedures and processes involved in approving any drug or pharmaceutical product before it is placed on the market," emphasized Ms. Jisette Letellier, Director of DPM/MT. The program also includes modules on good manufacturing practices, quality standards, and drug safety and efficacy requirements.
The seminar also highlighted the importance of adapting to constantly changing pharmaceutical regulations. Ethical and social issues relating to the distribution and use of pharmaceutical products were addressed, highlighting the responsibility of future healthcare professionals. "Understanding pharmaceutical regulations also includes risk management linked to product safety, and therefore pharmacovigilance," explained Ms Letellier.
The event closed on June 7 with a speech by Dr. Lauré Adrien, Director General of the MSPP, who stressed the importance of the pharmacist's role in the smooth running of pharmaceutical institutions in Haiti, and in the monitoring of medical products on the market.
In addition to its educational objectives, the seminar provided a forum for reflection and exchange between students and industry experts. Future pharmacists are now better prepared to navigate the complex regulatory landscape of pharmacy in Haiti, strengthening the country's ability to guarantee the safety and efficacy of health products.
