'Drugstore Association of the Philippines' teams up with Johnson & Johnson Philippines to empower pharma counsellors on OTC drugs

The Drugstore Association of the Philippines (DSAP) in cooperation with Johnson & Johnson Philippines conducted mobile drugstore app orientation to enhance the knowledge of over-the-counter counsellors on competency-based learning modules for TESDA certificate NC3.

At least 75 drugstore owners and pharmacists from different parts of the country attended the momentous activity, titled: “Developing Pharmacy Assistants through Digital Technology Educating the OTC Counsellors Orientation” held recently at the Tandang Sora Hall of the TESDA Women’s Center in Taguig City.

DSAP, the largest group of local drugstores in the country teams up with JnJto come up with the mobile drugstore app.

Drugstore Association of the Philippines (DSAP) President Vicente Briones

Vicente Briones, RPh, president of DSAP said the two-day event was crucial in equipping OTC counsellors in using a mobile learning application where users learn basic but important knowledge for different types of drugs and their function to the different systems of the human anatomy based on TESDA NC3 standards.

“Our duty is to strengthen the capacity and technical knowledge of over the counter staff of all our member drugstores so they can render quality services to the public,” said Briones.

TESDA Deputy Director General Diosdado O. Padilla, who gave the opening remarks, commended DSAP for its continuous efforts to upgrade the skills of OTC counsellors of their member pharmacies.

On the first day of the workshop, participants learned valuable product knowledge on various drugs and their impact tothe Central Nervous System, Immune System, Respiratory System as well as Reproductive System and anti-infectives.

Likewise, participants also learned about drug products and their impact on skin, eyes, mouth and throat, as well as digestive system and cardiovascular system.

On top of these, speakers gave information on impact Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Products to the body. Participants werealso taught about dosage forms and drugs calculations.

On the second day, trainers learned about Dispensing Pharmaceutical Products, Supply and Inventory Management as well as Promotion, Education and Vigilance and Good Manufacturing Practice.