Pharmacists Play Backbone Role in Healthcare System, Wasif Khan Says

KARACHI: Pharmacists are a backbone of the healthcare system and play a vital role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medicines, DVAGO Chief Executive Officer Wasif Khan said while addressing the Pharmacist Impact Conference 2026 in Karachi.

The conference was organised by Dawago to mark World Pharmacists Day and brought together representatives of pharmaceutical companies, pharmacists, doctors and other healthcare professionals.

The event focused on the role of pharmacists in healthcare, safe medicine supply, appropriate use of medicines and the positive impact of pharmacy services on patient outcomes.

Around 15 pharmaceutical companies participated in the conference and delivered presentations on their products, services and developments in the pharmaceutical sector.

Pharmacists’ Role in Patient Care

Speaking at the event, Wasif Khan said pharmacists were not merely involved in dispensing medicines but also played an important role in guiding patients on the correct use of medicines.

He said pharmacists help patients understand dosage, possible side effects and the safe and effective use of medicines. Their professional guidance can contribute to better healthcare outcomes.

Khan said Dawago had been organising such events on World Pharmacists Day for the past eight years to recognise pharmacists’ contributions and encourage them to play a more active role in the healthcare sector.

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He said DVAGO currently operates more than 90 outlets and also runs an e-commerce platform. The company provides services in more than 10 cities.

Focus on Industry Collaboration

Khan described the conference as more than an annual event, saying it provided a platform for the pharmaceutical industry, pharmacists and other stakeholders to exchange experiences, discuss new ideas and explore ways to improve pharmacy services for patients.

He said technology and the growing use of e-commerce were rapidly changing the pharmacy sector. However, patient safety, medicine quality and professional responsibility must remain the top priorities during this transformation.

DVAGO Head of Commercial Ali Haider said the role of pharmacists was becoming increasingly important. He stressed the need to provide patients with reliable guidance on the proper use of medicines and strengthen coordination between the pharmaceutical industry and pharmacists.

DVAGO Head of Procurement, Pharma Division, Syed Shahnawaz Akhtar said pharmacists served as an important link between patients and medicines. He added that professional training and access to updated knowledge could help improve patient outcomes.

Experts Highlight Need for Professional Training

Swiss Life Executive Director Faizan Swisswala said modern training and stronger professional skills were essential for the pharmacy sector.

He said pharmacists should be provided with greater opportunities to contribute effectively to the healthcare system.

Helion Head of Operations Faizan Zafar Khan stressed the importance of cooperation and knowledge-sharing within the pharmaceutical sector.

He said pharmacists needed continuous access to updated information about medicines and changing patient needs.

Representatives of participating pharmaceutical companies also delivered presentations on their products and services. Participants were briefed on recent developments in the pharmaceutical sector.

New Pharmacists Take Professional Oath

A key part of the conference was an oath-taking ceremony for newly qualified pharmacists.

The new pharmacists pledged to fulfil their professional responsibilities, prioritise patient welfare and promote the safe use of medicines.

The event also featured the signing of several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) between pharmaceutical companies and relevant organisations. The agreements aim to promote future cooperation, strengthen professional ties and create additional opportunities for pharmacists.

Experts Call for Wider Role in Healthcare

During a panel discussion, experts said pharmacists in Pakistan should not be limited to medicine dispensing and supply.

They called for pharmacists to become a more integrated part of the wider patient-care system.

Experts noted that pharmacists can provide patients with important information about correct dosage, proper medicine use, potential side effects and possible interactions between medicines.

Participating pharmacists said such platforms help improve professional knowledge while strengthening links between the pharmaceutical industry, doctors and pharmacists.

DVAGO has been organising similar events on World Pharmacists Day for the past eight years, with the annual initiative aimed at recognising the contribution of pharmacists and highlighting their growing role in Pakistan’s healthcare system.