Supporting the next generation of pharmacists
He Rau Kawakawa (Otago School of Pharmacy) provides training for new cohorts of pharmacists each year.
Pharmacists are key players
Pharmacists play an important part in the health workforce, preparing and dispensing prescribed medicine and discussing conditions and treatments with patients.
Pharmac’s Director of Equity and Engagement, Dr Nicola Ngawati, says it’s important for Pharmac to have a strong relationship with the School of Pharmacy.
“We want to support the next generation of pharmacists, because one day we’ll need their skills and passion to help us get New Zealanders the medicines they need to live healthy lives,” Ngawati says.
Pharmac at Otago
Visiting the School of Pharmacy in 2024 and talking to the students about Pharmac and what we do was invaluable, Ngawati says.
“We highlighted how Pharmac plays an important role in the health system, the range of careers available with a pharmacy qualification in Pharmac, together with profiling our participation in the TupuToa intern programme.”
Ngawati also attended the School of Pharmacy’s Annual Research Symposium during 2024, and the Annual Hui of Māori Pharmacy Students (which includes students from the University of Auckland).
Associate Dean Māori and Senior Lecturer in Clinical Pharmacy, Dr Lisa Kremer (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Waitaha) invited Pharmac to visit the School of Pharmacy regularly to connect and engage with students on Pharmac’s work.
Better health outcomes together
She says that He Rau Kawakawa and Te Pātaka Whaioranga (Pharmac) share common values, with one being ensuring all New Zealanders get the best health outcomes possible.
“At He Rau Kawakawa we are working hard at ensuring pharmacy graduates are equipped with the ability to deliver pharmacist services equitably, to ensure everyone benefits,” she says.
Growing the relationship with Pharmac has had positive benefits for future pharmacists. “The investment in time for whanaungatanga has opened the door for career opportunities at Pharmac, with one tauira Māori taking up the opportunity to complete a Pharmac summer internship,” she says.
“Pharmacy tauira Māori are looking for ways to make a positive difference on health equity for their whānau, and the relationship with staff at Pharmac has provided opportunities for tauira Māori to gain an understanding of the different roles within Pharmac.”