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SINGAPORE : With a ratio of 1 pharmacist to 3,000 people, the number of pharmacists available in Singapore is insufficient.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary Hawazi Daipi said that with increasing demands on Singapore's healthcare system, there is a need for more qualified pharmacists.
A greying population with projected 18 per cent over the age of 65 by the year 2030 means a higher disease burden on Singapore's healthcare system.
There are now plans to improve the ratio to 1 pharmacist to 2,650 people.
Speaking at the Pharmacist's Pledge Affirmation Ceremony, he said the Ministry of Health (MOH) has already initiated plans to increase the local pharmacy student intake, and to bring in more overseas trained pharmacists.
At the ceremony, 250 pharmacists pledged their commitment to their profession - including 125 newly-registered pharmacists.
Since 2008, MOH has funded a five-year initiative to provide an additional 234 pharmacists and 120 pharmacy technicians. - CNA /ls
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