​Teboho Matshatsha, Mampe Marapyane​
I became a pharmacist because I like to help people and take care of their wellbeing and working in a public pharmacy you get more involved with patients as we have access to their medical records and progress, said Dan Miyeni, a Pharmacist at Alexandra Community Health Centre (CHC) responding to what World Pharmacist Day means to him.   
The 25 of September is annually observed across the globe as the World Pharmacist Day and this year's commemoration are celebrated under the theme "Safe and effective medicines for all."  The Pharmacists Day is also used to organise activities that promote and advocate for the role of the pharmacist in improving health.
Miyeni who has been working at Alexandra CHC for the past four years says he enjoys the fact that the facility's pharmacy offers different levels of care such as cancer management, TB and all chronic conditions. 
"Our pharmacy offers services to acute and chronic patients. Personally I specialise in HIV management. When it comes to TB and HIV management as the Department we manage it better because of the access to patient results and if there are any issues we liaise with doctor (s) so patients get a holistic service," said Miyeni. 
On what drew him to the profession Miyeni said: "I was drawn to this profession from an early age. I became a pharmacist because I like to help people and take care of their wellbeing. I started enquiring about it in high school. I have worked both in the NGO and retail sectors."
Miyeni pleaded with community members to follow their appointment dates to ensure the pharmacy is not congested and pharmacists are not overwhelmed. 
"We see lots of patients and it would be nice to have more staff members. Patients should also familiarise themselves with their medication. They must know their medication and we are here for them. It is very important for them to know their medication as they come from different pharmaceutical companies," he added.  
 
"Pharmacists use their broad knowledge and unique expertise to ensure that people get the best from their medicines. We ensure access to medicines and their appropriate use, improve adherence, coordinate care transitions and so much more. Today, more than ever, pharmacists are charged with the responsibility to ensure that when a patient uses a medicine, it will not cause harm", says International Pharmaceutical Federation President Dominique Jordan.