The Quest Pharmacy Students’ Society (QPSS) public health awareness campaign has become a yearly fixture in the calendar, joining forces with the public and private sectors to educate society about vital health issues.
2024’s edition saw the QPSS and the Faculty of Pharmacy turn their focus towards women’s health issues, disseminating vital information about illnesses like osteoporosis and cervical cancer as well as issues like family planning.
Held at Ipoh’s AEON Mall Klebang on 24 August, the campaign included workshops, expert talks, exhibitions, health screening and medicine management booths, as well as a blood donation drive. The event’s preliminary stage also included a 5km run, titled “Run Her World”.
On hand to grace the campaign’s launch were Buntong assemblyman Thulsi Thivani A/P Manogaran, Perak health director Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha, Perak deputy health director (pharmacy) Norhuda Mohammad Tajuddin, Ipoh city councillor Zuraidah Zakaria, QIU vice-chancellor Professor Zita Mohammad Fahmi and QIU registrar Muhammad MG Omar.
In addition to the public service, the campaign also gave our students invaluable experience of organising health outreach programmes—a skill set that will serve them well in their future careers in healthcare.
“Due recognition must be given to QIU for making sure that your students grow holistically, instead of just learning through exams. By empowering them through programmes like this, you are making them a better member of society,” said Thulsi in her officiating speech.
“Women’s health issues are often overlooked and underreported, leading to a lack of awareness and care. We live in an age where lifestyle changes and environmental factors are increasingly impacting women’s well-being. Together, these factors are raising the risk of various health conditions that women face,” said Prof. Zita
“Community Pharmacists are becoming the first point of contact for the general public and they can play a crucial role in informing and managing women’s health,” she added.
Thank you to all our guests, sponsors, and members of the public who made this event a resounding success—and congratulations once again to the QPSS!
