Access the presentations from this Conference: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lsThzN3hkN6dUX7v_Xqt1rcBCvNAW8K?usp=drive_link
Programme Guide
Programme Guide
A message from the Conference Director
Mr. Reenal Chand, Vice-President
Fiji Pharmaceutical Society
Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, whenever you may be reading this Welcome once again to the Fiji Pharmaceutical Society Annual Conference. We are back at the prestigious InterContinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa, Natadola. I hope that you will enjoy the Conference and your stay here.
This year, we gather under the impactful theme – “Pharmacists Waging the War on Drugs.” The problem of illicit drugs has been brought to the forefront of our attention after a series of high-profile arrests and drug busts.
However, this issue has been brewing in the background for over a decade. It is time for pharmacists to become more involved in the protection of the public and control over medications that have the potential for abuse.
In light of recent calls for stricter drug laws, the review of legislation surrounding the manufacture, supply, and distribution of medications and precursors for illicit drugs are being examined with more scrutiny We must plug the gaps within outdated laws if we are to stem the tide of illegal activities and drug use Many victims have been drawn into this web of deception unwittingly and have become addicted to hard drugs. Even school children are being targeted, which is especially deplorable and immoral.
Our role as pharmacists has never been more crucial. We are the frontline warriors in ensuring safe and effective medication use and in providing essential support to our communities. The HIV/AIDS pandemic has also risen as an opportunistic parasite
alongside the increase in IV drug usage, chemsex and the especially dangerous practice of “bluetoothing” . The sharing of needles used for injecting drugs is a carrier of countless bloodborne diseases, and pharmacists rightfully ask where they stand on this issue as suppliers of these medical devices.
Over the next few days, we will explore innovative strategies, share best practices, and discuss the legislative changes required to strengthen our efforts in combating this global issue Our lineup of expert speakers, interactive workshops, and networking sessions is designed to empower and equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to make a tangible difference.
Together, we can contribute to the quality, accessibility, and affordability of pharmaceutical products, ensuring highquality medicinal products are rationally used and readily available to all residents We must, however, ensure, as healthcare professionals and the custodians of medications, that we do not disadvantage patients who need access to medications legally for the treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. Often in this war, the victims are the patients with a legitimate need for these medications which are otherwise abused.
Thank you for your dedication and passion for this noble profession Together, let's renew our commitment to this critical cause and work towards a healthier and safer Fiji.
Programme Guide
A message from the President
Ms. Priyanka Prasad President, Fiji Pharmaceutical Society
Bula and welcome to the Pharmatec-Fiji Pharmaceutical Society Annual Conference 2024!
Our nation is at a critical moment in healthcare, as Fiji's drug landscape shifts rapidly, drawing increasing attention from both local and international media. We are witnessing alarming levels of drug misuse and abuse in our communities, including the growing importation and circulation of illicit substances, as well as the improper use and disposal of syringes. Statistics shared by Dr. Balak at our mini-seminar earlier this year highlighted a concerning link between the spread of HIV and unsafe practices such as "bluetoothing." Now more than ever, protecting public health requires a united and determined response.
Our theme for this year, “Pharmacists Waging the War on Drugs,” underscores the crucial role that pharmacists play as guardians of safe, rational drug use— extending far beyond dispensing medications. We are educators, counselors, and vigilant protectors of community health. Pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare professionals, making it essential that we ensure medications and medical devices are not diverted for illegal or harmful use.
Together, we hold the power to make a
profound impact in addressing Fiji’s drug challenges. Let us commit to collaborating with other healthcare professionals, policymakers, NGOs, and our communities to promote safe and healthy practices, ensuring that the medicines we provide are used to heal, not harm.
This event would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. On behalf of the Executive Committee, I extend our heartfelt thanks to:
• Platinum Sponsor: Pharmatec Ltd
• Silver Sponsors: Makans Ltd and ProCure Medical
• Bronze Sponsor: PharmAce Ltd
• Cocktails Sponsor: Apex Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Thank you to all participants. I hope this weekend inspires us to pave a path toward a safer, healthier Fiji, and a future where our beautiful paradise is protected from the impacts of illicit drug trade.
Keep calm and fight on!
Vinaka vakalevu!
Programme Guide
A message from the Platinum Sponsor
A Brief History
We ventured into our own pharmaceutical business in 1978 when we started “Island Pharmacy Limited”. This company continued with the retailing and wholesaling of pharmaceuticals and allied products until 1986.
In 1986, we separated the wholesale business from the retail business “Pharmatec Limited”.
Pharmatec Limited wholesale
Pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and allied products to all retail pharmacies, dispensing doctors, medical clinics, allied institutions and supermarkets throughout Fiji. We also supply pharmaceutical drugs to Ministry of Health on tender locally and within the region
Pharmatec Limited imports and distributes pharmaceuticals and allied products throughout the country and Pacific region from time to time. We are sole distributors for the products from Wallace Manufacturing Limited, Health Aid, Scanpharm A/S, Himalaya and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd to name a few.
History of the founder (Humble Beginnings)
From the sugar cane field to the obtaining his Bachelors in Pharmacy from Bradford University to his Masters from Kings College, London University, and our founder, Mr Pusph Chand, faced the adversity of having to overcome the struggles of a rural boy with a dream to better the life of his family.
Helping this dream being brought to reality was a combination of hard work, dedication and support of his family, who are now also medically rooted; His son Mr Ravi Chand is a registered pharmacist from the Otago University as well as his daughter Sonia Chand, who is registered in New Zealand, Australia, UK and Fiji. His wife, Mrs Bansri Chand, a registered Midwife from London. His other daughter is also a professional; though not in the medical field, is a chattered account.
Mr Pushp Chand Founder Pharmatec Ltd
Programme Guide
Programme Guide Speaker Profiles
Mr Mason Smith
Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration
Mason Smith is currently the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs and Immigration and took up his position in July 2023. In his current role, he is responsible for the effective and efficient leadership and management of the Ministry in terms of policy advice and support to the Government of Fiji, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the Fiji Police Force, the private security industry, and the Fiji Immigration Department
Prior to this, Mr Smith was Regional Director for the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Oceania and was based at IUCN’s regional office in Suva Fiji. In this capacity, Mason was responsible for the overall leadership and management of IUCN’s Programme and projects in Oceania including Australia and New Zealand.
He is a graduate of the University of Canberra
Mr Ben Gilbert Senior Pharmacist
and currently holds a Masters in Management –Defence Studies (MMDS) and a postgraduate certificate in Diplomacy from the University of Fiji He is also a fellow of the Asia Pacific Centre for Security Studies Mason has served in various capacities in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, the private sector, the Government of Fiji, including a stint as Fiji’s acting head of Mission at the United Nations in New York and as Permanent Secretary for Agriculture in Fiji. He has also served in various Boards and is currently engaged in a number community and charitable projects Mason is also heavily involved with raising awareness and funds to treat prostate cancer in men
His hobbies include keeping fit, playing sports, gardening, fishing and reading
Australian Government’s Indo-Pacific Regulatory Strengthening Program (RSP), delivered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
Ben Gilbert is a Senior Pharmacist in the Australian Government’s Indo-Pacific Regulatory Strengthening Program (RSP), delivered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
The goal of the RSP is to improve access to quality, safe, and effective medical products by supporting countries in the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen regulation of medical products, including in the areas of pharmacovigilance,
good manufacturing practices, and market authorisation
Ben graduated with a B.Pharm from the University of Tasmania in 1999 and has worked as a pharmacist, pharmacy owner, consultant and academic. He has postgraduate qualifications in toxicology and tertiary education.
Programme Guide Speaker Profiles
Mr Reenal Chand
Principal Pharmacist (Inspectorate) - Medicines Regulatory Authority, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Fiji.
Mr Chand is a pharmacist having graduated from the (then) Fiji School of Medicine in 2008 and registered in 2010. He completed his internship at CWM Hospital and worked in the public sector from 2009 to 2011 before moving to retail practice.
Having worked in retail pharmacies around Suva for 10 years, Mr Chand then took up the role of Senior Pharmacy Officer for Antimicrobial Resistance at the Ministry of Health and Medical Services,AA Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services Centre from October 2021. Mr Chand
Mr Jemesa Lave Police Officer
Fiji Police Force
Jemesa Lave is a Police Officer, currently seconded to the Counter Narcotics Bureau under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration. In his secondment, he currently works under with the Policy Division of the Ministry carrying out responsibilities on the various policy issues and taskings on the Counter Narcotics agenda.
Mr Lave has served the majority of his Police
served as the secretary to the National Antimicrobial Resistance Committee as well as Fiji’s Human Health AMR Focal Point. Mr Chand currently is a Principal Pharmacist under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
Mr Chand is also the current Vice-President and former President of the Fiji Pharmaceutical Society (FPS). Through FPS he has also served as the former chair of the Fiji Medicinal Products Board and is a current member.
career as a Digital Forensics Specialist with the Fiji Police - Cybercrimes Unit.
He is an expert witness on electronic evidence and cybercrimes.
He is also a fellow of the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers(ICANN). Mr Lave is also involved with advocating for cyber safety and the protection of children online.
Programme Guide
Speaker Profiles
Dr Ashnita Ashvini Krishna
Paediatrician – Colonial War Memorial Hospital, Suva. Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Fiji.
Dr Ashvini is a dedicated Paediatrician at CWMH with extensive experience in both rural and urban inpatient and outpatient settings across Fiji. She is passionate about paediatric pateint management and is committed to raising the standards of paediatric practice in the country.
Her current roles and contributions include:
1. National Coordinator- Fiji Paediatric Clinical Practice Guidelines- For the past 7 years, Dr Ashvini has been leading the development, review, and dissemination of pediatric (PICU CPG) and neonatal (NICU CPG) guidelines in Fiji.
2. Secretary for the Pacific Paediatric Association (PPA) – she collaborates with local, regional, and international experts to advance Paediatric care in Fiji and the pacific.
3. Editorial Board Member: She serves on the editorial board of the Red Flower Publications’ Journal of Pediatric Education and Research.
Previous Roles:
Co-director- Advanced Pediatric Emergency Medicine (APEM) course in Fiji: She has played a pivotal role in enhancing pediatric emergency care through this course.
Research and Publications:
Dr Ashvini is a strong advocate for evidencebased medicine and has published numerous papers in international journals. Her last publication and presentation at this symposium on “Clinical Practice guidelines” is reflecting her dedication to improving clinical practice through research and teaching.
Mr Kolinio Seru Ledua General Manager Island Pharmacy Group
Graduated with a Bachelor in Pharmacy and has worked in both Hospital and retail settings. Began his career with Island Pharmacy group as an intern and has slowly climbed the corporate ladder to becoming the group Pharmacist in Charge and to becoming the General Manager for the wholesale division - Pharmatec Pte Limited and island Pharmacy group. As a part of
the healthcare profession, it is our duty and responsibility to always advocate for the safety and health of our community. With the rise in drug related activities, it is upon us to play a role in combating this growing concern and each small action taken by us as individuals will give rise to a positive impact on a larger scale in our community and in our nation.
Programme Guide
Participants List
Name Organisation
Abdul Zarif
Ajay Raniga
Alvick Maharaj
Alvin Khanna
Alvin Krishna
Amit Kumar
Amrita Kaur
Arnal Singh
Fiji National University
Budget Pharmacy
GHC SUPPLIES LIMITED
Makans Pte Ltd
Oceania Hospital
Aspen Medical
Aspen Medical
PSH
Arun Singh Insurance
Ashvini Krishna
Avneet Nand
Avnil Narayan
Ben Gilbert
Chaaya Chandra
Dhipak Kumar
Fahima Khan
Gurdish Kaur
Isikeli Vasuitaukei
Jainesh Kumar
James Lave
Jignasha Patel
Joel Naicker
Joshila Lal
Junior Bali
Kavita Raniga
Khavishek Karan
Komal Kumar
Manisha Kumar
Manoj Kumar
Mason Smith
Nacanieli Delai
Department of Paediatrics, CWMH
Locum Pharmacist
Life Pharmacy Nabua
TGA
Namaka Medisure Pharmacy
Island Pharmacy Pte Ltd
Ba Hospital
Laucala Bay Pharmacy
Ministry of Health
Procure Medical Pte Limited
Fiji Police Force
Walubay Pharmacy
Fiji National University
Fiji National University
Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission
Budget Pharmacy
Absolute Care Pharmacy
Priceline pharmacy
Quality Life Pharmacy
PharmAce Healthcare Pte Limited
Ministry of Home Affairs & Immigration
Procure Medical Pte Limited
Nafiz Ali Pharmatec
Nalini Mali
Nameeta Prakash
Namrata Tappoo
CARE CHEMIST
Oceania Hospital Pte Ltd
TappooCity Chemist
Programme Guide Participants List
Name Organisation
Neha Sharma
CWM Hospital
Nikita Naidu Locum
Nilesh Chovhan
Nirmal Nand
Prakash Chovhan
Priya Anjalin Lata
Priyanka Maharaj
Priyanka Prasad
Pushp Chand
Rajiv Gopal
Reenal Chand
Remal Tappoo
Renee Leong
Reshnika Sen
Rohit Rambisessar
Romitesh Kumar
Sakina Mohammed
Sandip Kumar
Sangeeta Mishra
Sarbin Prakash
Seru Ledua
Shaneel Chandar
Sheemal Shareeka
Shikha Chand
Shinal Kumar
Shivneel Sharma
Shivneel Singh
Sonal Karan
Sristica Nair
Theresa Singh
Vijayeta Prasad
Vikashni Devi
Xavier Khan
Yentesh Mudaliar
The Family Chemist
Makans Pte Ltd
Chovhan Pharmacy
Aspen Medical Ba
Island Pharmacy
Chovhan Pharmacy
Island Pharmacy Pte Ltd
PharmAce Healthcare Pte Limited
Ministry of Health and Medical Services
TappooCity Chemist
Lautoka aspen
Nausori Drug and Chemist
Samabula Drug Store
Oceania Hospitals Pte Ltd
Western Medicare Pharmacy
Life Pharmacy
Nadi Hospital Pharmacy
Pharmatec Pte Ltd
Island Pharmacy Pte Ltd
Mega care pharmacy
University of Fiji
Tappoo City Chemist
TappooCity Chemist
SuperDrug
Flagstaff Family Pharmacy
Fiji Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Services Centre
Valelevu Chemist
Noble Chemists
Lami Chemist
Tailevu Drugs Store
Namaka Medisure Pharmacy
Fijian Competition & Consumer Commission
Programme Guide
THANK YOU to all participants and sponsors
