ISAF calls on pharmacists to be ‘more engaged in resident wellness’

[Photo; Ricaela Diputado]

The Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau (ISAF) recently held seminars where president Choi Peng Cheong called for pharmacists to be proactive in providing pharmaceutical services, emphasizing the need to be fully informed about the risks of long-term medication use for residents.

The official encouraged community pharmacists to take the initiative in monitoring residents with long-term medication use, polypharmacy, and potential health risks when providing pharmaceutical services, and to engage in work promoting both physical and mental health.

Choi noted that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pharmacists in local pharmacies, along with practitioners working in these pharmacies, can more frequently share knowledge about TCM prevention and health maintenance with residents, promoting the integration of TCM culture into daily life.

He added that this actively leverages the unique advantages of TCM in health maintenance and disease prevention, fostering residents’ physical and mental well-being.

During the seminars with the pharmaceutical sector, topics such as promoting residents’ physical and mental health, pharmaceutical care for the elderly, collaborative market supervision, and industry development were discussed.

The president stated, “ISAF prioritizes the elderly and children as key care groups,” aligning with the governance concept of “decentralizing service resources to community neighborhoods and promoting residents’ physical and mental health.”

He said the bureau continues to promote the safe use of medications and the culture of TCM among the elderly and youth in community neighborhoods through interdepartmental cooperation and collaboration with pharmacy-related associations and professional organizations.

Macau’s pharmacies and TCM pharmacies are spread throughout the city, forming an important primary pharmaceutical care network.

Community pharmaceutical professionals are among the most accessible and trusted professionals for residents, playing an indispensable role in promoting public health.

Choi believes that strengthening the role and function of community pharmacies and TCM pharmacies in safeguarding and promoting public health can further develop the social value of the pharmaceutical profession, bringing community pharmaceutical services closer to residents’ needs.

During exchanges with representatives from the TCM pharmaceutical sector, Choi indicated that the government continues to advance the “1+4” appropriate economic diversification development strategy.

Topics such as the development of young pharmaceutical professionals and responding to population aging were also discussed. Sector representatives reflected on the current business situation and offered opinions on market supervision, electronic services, medication supply, and legal dissemination.

He stated that as a pharmaceutical supervision and administration service, “ISAF firmly adheres to the concept of ensuring safety through supervision and administration, and promoting development through service provision.”

This year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan and the 3rd Five-Year Plan of the region, and ISAF’s president reaffirmed that the bureau will continue to align with these plans.

He explained that the 15th Five-Year Plan clearly proposes objectives including promoting the quality enhancement and modernization of priority industries, strengthening the dissemination and influence of Chinese civilization, and driving the heritage and innovation of TCM.

The official expressed hope that the sector would put forward suggestions to jointly promote the high-quality development of Macau’s TCM industry.

He added that ISAF places great importance on communication and collaboration with the sector, soliciting opinions on various pharmaceutical supervision tasks through regular exchanges. Ricaela Diputado

ISAF recalls anti-tumor medication

The Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau (ISAF) has recalled the prescription medication “Tazverik Tablets 200 mg,” manufactured by Patheon Pharmaceuticals Inc. in the United States, following a notification from a local drug importer. The medicine, used for treating blood cancer, is being voluntarily recalled globally by its manufacturer as a precautionary measure.

The decision comes after continuous clinical trial data suggested a potential increased risk of secondary hematological malignancies, new, distinct blood cancers (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, myelodysplastic syndrome) that may develop months or years after treatment for a prior primary cancer. The product’s potential risks may outweigh its therapeutic benefits.

According to the importer, the medication had been supplied to private hospitals and polyclinics in the region.

The ISAF has instructed the importer to follow up on the recall, and medical institutions and clinics should immediately cease using this medication.

Residents who have already obtained the medication from medical institutions or clinics may consult their attending physicians or pharmacists for guidance. For inquiries, residents can contact the ISAF during office hours at 8598 3233. RD