QIU continues to strengthen its commitment to community engagement and experiential learning through meaningful collaborations between its Faculty of Pharmacy and two senior citizens’ homes in Perak.
The faculty has established Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with Majlis Pusat Kebajikan Semenanjung Malaysia and The Salvation Army Perak Home for the Aged, creating valuable opportunities for pharmacy students to gain hands-on experience while serving the community.
Recently, the Faculty of Pharmacy further strengthened this partnership with a special visit to both homes. The Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Datuk Dr Allan Mathews, accompanied by Programme Coordinator Dr Tan Boon Seng and Senior Administration Officer Priscilla Prithi Mathulamuthu, personally delivered donated goods to the residents.
The university contributed essential consumables as well as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, including multivitamins, to support the wellbeing of the elderly residents. The gesture not only provided practical assistance but also reaffirmed QIU’s ongoing collaboration with the two homes.
Through this collaboration, QIU’s Year 1 to Year 4 Pharmacy students have also participated in Experiential Learning in Medicine Management and Pharmaceutical Care Sessions at the homes. Over the course of seven semesters, students—guided by their lecturers—work closely with residents to understand various health conditions and the medications used to manage them. They also monitor therapy outcomes, helping students connect classroom knowledge with real-world healthcare practice.
These sessions have proven beneficial not only for the students but also for the residents. Many of the elderly participants have expressed appreciation for the programme, noting that the consultations have helped them better understand their medications and how to use them correctly.
The initiative reflects QIU’s broader commitment to community wellbeing and social responsibility. As part of the university’s Corporate Social Responsibility efforts aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Faculty of Pharmacy also contributes support to the homes, which rely heavily on donations and assistance from the public to continue their operations.
By combining experiential learning with community service, QIU’s Faculty of Pharmacy continues to nurture compassionate, practice-ready healthcare professionals while making a tangible difference in the lives of the elderly community.
