As proven during the pandemic, our healthcare workers play a vital role in maintaining the safety of our community.
This includes pharmacies, without which we would be at a loss when assessing the medication required for treating ailments and diseases.
To highlight their duties in keeping us healthy, Minister of Health Ong Ye Kung tried stepping into the shoes of a pharmacist for a day.
He did this in conjunction with World Pharmacists Day as he shared the job’s demands throughout the video.
In a TikTok video on 22 Sep, Mr Ong donned a white coat, ready to start his day as a pharmacist at Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
It definitely surprised a customer receiving his medication at the counter, who exclaimed, “Eh, sir!”
Source: @ongyekung on TikTok
Mr Ong then introduced SGH senior clinical pharmacist, Vivian Tan, who later guided him on what to do.
Source: @ongyekung on TikTok
Upon the arrival of his first patient, Mr Ong started his duties by checking his allergies, medical history, and the appropriateness of the medication for him.
Source: @ongyekung on TikTok
He then looked for the medication from the shelves in the clinic before packing them.
Source: @ongyekung on TikTok
Mr Ong also checked the expiry dates to ensure the medication prescribed was still effective.
“In many of our pharmacies, all this picking is automated,” he added. “But here I’m trying to experience being a pharmacist, so I’m doing it manually.”
After finally ensuring the medication was correct, he passed it over to the patient before counselling him on its usage.
Source: @ongyekung on TikTok
“A pharmacist’s job is a really important part of an entire hospital’s operation,” Mr Ong said. “In fact, [Tan’s] job goes well beyond this dispensary.”
Tan then interjected to share that pharmacists must also work in multidisciplinary teams to manage their patients holistically and comprehensively.
Many appreciated Mr Ong’s efforts in the video, praising him for understanding the job scope of a pharmacist.
Source: TikTok
Others also commended him for being active on the ground and taking the time to assist the pharmacy.
Source: TikTok
In addition, some wanted to know which profession Mr Ong might be stepping into the shoes of next.
Source: TikTok
Hopefully, Mr Ong’s educational video will go a long way towards shedding some light on the admittedly difficult task pharmacists often have.
Also read: Ong Ye Kung Tries Out Wushu Moves In Viral TikTok, Now People Are Calling Him “Ye Man”
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from @ongyekung on TikTok.
On a few days, the thundery showers might extend into the night.
His church has urged parishioners to refrain from visiting him as he heals.
The kitten will be put up for adoption after its injuries are cured.
The toasts were barely a few centimetres thick.
The boy was trapped inside the lift for over half an hour before being rescued.
The man is known to be a frequent troublemaker.