Bhubaneswar, Sep 26: SUM Ultimate Medicare (SUMUM) celebrated PharmaVantage 2026 to mark World Pharmacists Day, observed worldwide on Friday, recognising the vital role of pharmacists in ensuring safe, effective and patient-centred healthcare.
Organised on the theme “Empowering Pharmacists for a Healthier Future,” the program brought together pharmacists, healthcare professionals and members of the hospital fraternity for a day of professional recognition, knowledge sharing and cultural activities.
The event was graced by Brig.(Dr.) Biraj Mohan Mishra, Chief of Medical Services, SUMUM, and Dr. Prasant Kumar Panda, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, who spoke about the evolving responsibilities of pharmacists and their contribution to quality healthcare delivery.
In his welcome address, Dillip Kumar Dasmohapatra, Head of Department, Pharmacy, highlighted the role of pharmacists saying it extended beyond dispensing medicines to ensuring medication safety, promoting rational use of medicines, counselling patients and supporting better treatment outcomes.
In a message to mark the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Manojranjan Nayak, Founder-President, Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan (SOA), said pharmacists formed an essential link between medical knowledge and its safe and effective application in patient care. He stressed the importance of empowering pharmacists with knowledge, technology and opportunities for professional growth to strengthen healthcare delivery.
Dr. Swetapadma Dash, CEO, SUMUM, in her message, appreciated the dedication of pharmacists towards patient care while describing them as an integral part of the multidisciplinary healthcare team. She emphasised their role in ensuring that patients received the right medication in the right manner and at the right time.
The celebration featured a range of cultural activities which added glitter to the occasion and fostered camaraderie among members of the hospital fraternity. Pharmacists were also recognised for their dedicated service and valuable contribution to patient care.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Santosh Kumar Nayak, Head of Department, Clinical Pharmacology, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, management, pharmacists, healthcare professionals and participants for their contribution towards making the celebration meaningful.
The observance of World Pharmacists Day at SUMUM highlighted the increasingly important role of pharmacists in modern healthcare and the need to empower them to contribute more effectively towards building a safer, stronger and healthier future.
