Jordanian Pharmacists Join N.S. Through Global Recruitment Effort
Recent efforts to recruit health-care professionals have brought 17 new pharmacists from Jordan to Nova Scotia. This initiative is part of the Jordan Pharmacy Licensure Pathway, launched to address a significant pharmacist shortage in the province.
Understanding the Jordan Pharmacy Licensure Pathway
The Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator established the Jordan Pharmacy Licensure Pathway to combat the province’s pressing need for pharmacists. Currently, the pharmacist shortage is estimated to be around 500. Beverley Zwicker, CEO of the Nova Scotia Pharmacy Regulator, emphasized the struggles pharmacies face in staffing adequately to meet patient needs.
Training and Integration of New Pharmacists
The new pharmacists, including professionals from Syria and Iraq, arrived on January 13 and have since begun their orientation. Ahmed Hlal, a participant in the program, relocated from Syria to Jordan for his degree. Due to local regulations in Jordan, he could not practice pharmacy, but he sees this opportunity in Nova Scotia as a way to fulfill his professional ambitions.
- Recruitment includes 17 pharmacists from Jordan, Syria, and Iraq.
- Estimated pharmacist shortage in Nova Scotia: 500.
- Program funded by the provincial Department of Health and Wellness.
- 11 candidates had refugee status and are now permanent residents or on the path to residency.
Importance of International Recruitment
According to Kyle Wilby, director of the College of Pharmacy at Dalhousie University, many pharmacists in Jordan possess training from accredited programs similar to those in Canada. His recent visit to Jordan included evaluations of pharmacy education and meetings to assess potential candidates.
Practical Training Initiatives
The pharmacists are currently in the third phase of their training, which involves placements at community and hospital pharmacies in New Glasgow and Halifax. They will work under supervision for ten weeks, enabling them to provide effective pharmacy care in Nova Scotia.
Wilby leads a rigorous practice-readiness program tailored for these internationally trained pharmacists. This program is designed to modernize licensing pathways and ensure that candidates can competently meet the pharmacy care demands of patients.
Future Recruitment Plans
As the pharmacy regulator continues to address the staffing crisis, another recruiting trip to Jordan is planned for May. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to incorporate skilled overseas pharmacists into the Nova Scotia health-care system.
Conclusion
The Jordan Pharmacy Licensure Pathway not only aids in filling significant pharmacist shortages but also provides valuable opportunities for internationally trained professionals. As they prepare to enter the workforce, these pharmacists will play a crucial role in enhancing health care in Nova Scotia.
