Saturday, April 21, 2007

Aklanon Heads LGP Visayas

By Ulysses Espartero
Mabel Ureta Concepcion,an Aklanon now leads the League of Government Pharmacists (LGP) in Visayas region. She was elected Vice President for the Visayas of LGP. Her election to the post is in recognition of her sterling leadership in the upholding and enhancing the nobility of her profession as a government pharmacist.
As Food and Drug Regulations Officer of the Department of Health (DOH) Center for Health Development (CHD), Concepcion plays crucial role in promoting the rational use of drugs. She ensures the provision of safe, effective and quality drugs for improved patient care and quality of life.
Concepcion has served at the Integrated Provincial Health Office and as a pharmacist at the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH).
She finished Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1983 at the University of Sto. Tomas. In the same year, she passed the Board of Pharmacy test. She took postgraduate studies leading to Masters in Administration at the Aklan State University.
A multi-awarded professional, she was cited by the Aklan Pharmaceutical Association (APhA) and the Rotary Club of Kalibo. In 2004, the Department of Health Center for Health Development 6 awarded her with a Plaque of Recognition as the "Most Energetic and Primed Employee."
Concepcion is chairperson of the Ways and Means Committee of APhA, a provincial organization of pharmacists which aims to embody the spirit of compassion and selflessness that extends to Aklanon clients and the public.
She reports now and then at the CHD for proper monitoring and implementation of DOH programs.
"I have to see to it that our programs are properly considered and taken cared of. I believe that dedication to every aspect of endeavor is a must coupled with integrity and efficiency to service," she stressed.
Blood Program Gets Support
The Provincial Health Board is supporting the immediate implementation of the Blood Program of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC)-Aklan Chapter.
PNRC Aklan Chapter Administrator Arcely P. Pelayo is alarmed for the closure of commercial blood banks in the province can lead to a shortage of blood supply.
"The blood inventory for CY 2006 revealed that out of the 5,475 units of blood used, only 670 units or 12.23 percent of the total units of blood requested came from the PNRC and 88 percent came from commercial blood banks," Pelayo added.
New strategies have already been started this year by PNRC in coordination with the Technical Services Division of the Provincial Health Office. Advocacy meetings are held with the Liga ng mga Barangay, non-government organizations and the Municipal Red Cross Chapter prior to the conduct of mass blood donations. Fund augmentation is necessary to help PNRC increase its blood collection and supply of blood in Aklan.
The Blood Program of PNRC-Aklan is geared to ensure the safety and quality of blood supply and maintain its adequacy through a total voluntary system with the specific objectives of first, increasing the blood supply in the province; and second, establishing Support Fund Agreement with Local Government Units;
The PNRC proposes that the activities to be undertaken are as follows: (1) collaboration and networking with the local government units to establish a support fund agreement, (2) regular conduct of advocacy meetings, (3) scheduling of monthly mass blood donation in every municipality, (4) social mobilization, (5) procurement of Blood Bank Refrigerator, related equipment and supplies, and (6) increase of manpower complement.
Dr. Myrtle M. Pelayo, Provincial DOH Representative and a member of the Provincial Health Board stressed the provincial government shares in the belief of the Board of Directors of PNRC-Aklan Chapter that effective and immediate implementation of the program will reduce deaths secondary to lack of blood like hemorrhage, severe anemia and other blood disorders.
The PHB also requested Governor Carlito S. Marquez to create a Task Force on Blood Program to be headed by the Technical Services Division of the Provincial Health Office.
It also requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to allocate P500,000.00 for the Procurement of Blood Bank Refrigerator and the Blood Program of PNRC-Aklan Chapter. /MP

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