National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Pharm. Ahmed Yakasai has stated that this year's conference, Oluyole 2018 will be the biggest conference organised by the society since its inception.

He stated this at the flag off of the conference tagged "Innovative Disruption in Pharmacy in Emerging Economies: A Roadmap for Nigeria", in Ibadan on Sunday.

According to him, "this is the largest conference ever, we have over five thousand participants, exhibitors, traders and indeed so many non-pharmacists will be involved in this year's  conference to celebrate the end of my tenure after spending 3 years as in office as President of PSN. We have over 150 manufacturers coming, we also have people from the diaspora, the President of the Nigerian Association of Pharmacists and Pharmaceutical Society in America, Pharm. (Dr.) Leo is here with us and so many other side attractions.

"The expectations are so high, of course this is our election year and hopefully we are praying that God will give us someone that is loyal to PSN, God-fearing, someone that will bring everybody together irrespective of their ethnic and religious backgrounds.

"We are also going to discuss technology, that is the in-thing, is it going to be a problem, will it proffer solutions to the health care delivery system, because we are not only focusing on pharmacy but the health care delivery system as a whole. So many speakers and delegates have already been invited to thrash out the theme of the conference."

Pharm. Yakassai also expressed satisfaction with the level of preparation towards the conference while also noting that Oluyole 2018 will be a huge success.

On the role of pharmacists in health care delivery system, he said, "when we are talking about pharmaceutical care, it is not only about dispensing drugs or counseling, now it is up to the level of therapeutic management system where you have to follow up for adherence, you have to carry out other expanded roles . You are not just thinking of sitting in the office, you must also be available for public health system.

"I see no reason why pharmacists can not be involved in immunization, family planning and so on."

He stated further that pharmacists play important roles in the community pharmacy, academy pharmacy - where pharmacists are produced, industrial pharmacy - where drugs are manufactured and ofcourse the hospital pharmacy.

Pharm. Yakassai also thanked the Oyo state chapter of the PSN especially the state chairman, Pharm. Ajibade Abiodun for the warm welcome afforded him.