The 2016 batch of pharmacy graduates of the University of Guyana (UG) is unable to fully practise their profession because they are yet to complete their mandatory internship with a medical institution in Guyana.Some of the students, who spoke to Guyana Chronicle under the condition of anonymity to avoid victimization, believe that the Pharmacy Council of Guyana is slow on the internship programme, a charge the Council has denied.
This publication was told that the students, on completion of their studies last July, were told that they have to complete a one-year internship with a medical institution to obtain their degree.
According to the UG website, “with a Degree in Pharmacy at University of Guyana, along with the required skills necessary to practise as a pharmacist, you will have completed work placements in hospitals and community pharmacies throughout the course of your studies, with a typical final intern year.”
“At the moment we can only work as assistant pharmacists and not full-fledged pharmacist because of not having our degree,” lamented one of the concerned students.
When contacted by Guyana Chronicle, a senior member of the Pharmacology Council who declined to be named said the internship programme will commence March month-end.