His recognition came as Tanzania joined the rest of the world in marking World Pharmacist Day under the theme “Think Health, Think Pharmacist.” The award was presented by Dr Mpoki Ulisubisya, Chief Executive Officer of Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), who represented the Ministry of Health’s Permanent Secretary.
Dar es Salaam. Clinical pharmacist Leonard Buganda of the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) has been honoured for his outstanding dedication to patient care, recognised as the pharmacist who devotes most of his working hours to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), supporting patients through some of their most critical moments.
His recognition came as Tanzania joined the rest of the world in marking World Pharmacist Day under the theme “Think Health, Think Pharmacist.”
The award was presented by Dr Mpoki Ulisubisya, Chief Executive Officer of Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), who represented the Ministry of Health’s Permanent Secretary.
In a touching moment, Dr Ulisubisya embraced Mr Buganda as he handed him the trophy.
“If they were not to recognise you today, I would have done it myself,” Dr Ulisubisya said, praising Buganda’s exceptional commitment to the profession.
Speaking afterwards, Mr Buganda described his passion for serving ICU patients, particularly those recovering from heart surgery. “Patients at the ICU require special care, and dedicating my time there means working hard to see a positive result,” he said.
“Just recently, I met a university student who had undergone heart surgery and returned to full recovery. The joy in my heart cannot be explained – I just hugged him. That feeling drives me to save more lives through my career.”
At the ceremony, which also recognised other pharmacists for their contributions, Dr Ulisubisya reminded professionals to uphold the Pharmacy Regulations of 2020 and take a frontline role in combating antimicrobial resistance.
He emphasised that educating the public on the responsible use of medicines is both a duty and an ethical obligation.
The celebration also acknowledged the role of partners, including the Christian Social Services Commission (CSSC) and Action Medeor, under the Multi-Actors Partnership for Quality Pharmaceutical Services (MAP-QPS) project.
The initiative has already reviewed pharmacy curricula at certificate and diploma levels to strengthen training and ensure the sector produces highly competent professionals.
CSSC Director Peter Maduki hailed the progress made in enhancing pharmaceutical services but also highlighted unfinished priorities, including the formal recognition of specialist pharmacists, establishment of pharmacy departments at both hospital and ministerial levels, and the signing of the long-awaited National Guideline for Clinical Pharmacy Services.
He thanked the Tanzanian government, the Government of Germany, faith-based institutions, and other partners for their collaboration, reaffirming CSSC’s commitment to supporting national priorities towards universal health coverage.
Buganda’s award stands as a testament to the vital yet often under-acknowledged role pharmacists play in the health system – a role that goes far beyond dispensing medicines, reaching into the very heart of patient recovery and survival
