On the occasion of World Pharmacists Day 2026, the Faculty of Pharmacy at Beirut Arab University organized an awareness and health day under the theme "Pharmacists for a Healthier Community."
The event was attended by notable figures, including the President of the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon Dr. Abdul Rahman Merkbawi, Head of the Central Military Hospital Brigadier General Pharmacist Ali Hussein, President of the Makhzoumi Foundation Mrs. May Makhzoumi, Chairman of the Board of the Waqf Al-Bir wal-Ihsan and Chairman of the BAU Board of Trustees Dr. Ammar Houry, President of Beirut Arab University Professor Wael Nabil Abdel Salam, Secretary General of the University Dr. Omar Houri. The gathering also brought together former presidents of the Order of Pharmacists, members of the Advisory Committee, representatives from the Ministry of Public Health, hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and firms, alongside university deans, faculty members, and a large turnout of pharmacy students.
The ceremony commenced with an opening address by the master of ceremonies, Pharmacist Mrs. Hanadi Jazi, who welcomed the attendees and stated:
"Since its establishment in 1960, Beirut Arab University has been committed to strengthening its engagement with the community and responding to its needs by preparing qualified scientific and professional cadres capable of competing in the labor market chief among them specialized professionals in the field of pharmacy, who constitute a fundamental pillar of the healthcare system."
Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Professor Azza Ghazi, emphasized that the pharmacist's role extends beyond dispensing medications"It encompasses educating patients on proper medication usage, raising awareness regarding potential drug interactions, and contributing to disease prevention and public health promotion. Seamless collaboration between pharmacists and various healthcare professionals is vital to enhancing the quality of patient care."
Professor Ghazi added that the Faculty strives to prepare graduates equipped with solid scientific knowledge, professional skills, adherence to professional ethics, and a strong sense of responsibility, while bridging academic education with community needs and reinforcing patient communication skills.
President of BAU Professor Wael Nabil Abdel Salam, highlighted the rapid evolution of the profession "The pharmacist has become a medication and toxicology expert, a researcher, an innovator, and a clinical advisor working alongside physicians and medical teams to optimize therapeutic plans and minimize pharmacological risks."
He further noted the pivotal role pharmacists play in safeguarding public health and patient safety, especially in light of widespread medical misinformation on social media, stressing the importance of promoting health awareness rooted in reliable scientific knowledge.
President of the Order of Pharmacists of Lebanon Dr. Abdul Rahman Merkbawi, addressed the students directly "You are the future pharmacists upon whom patients, physicians, and society will rely. I encourage you to pursue continuous learning, research, and professional development while keeping pace with the scientific and technological advancements shaping the future of the profession."
Dr. Merkbawi also emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration between universities and the Order of Pharmacists to complement academic foundations with practical experience, update curricula, and align education with current and future pharmaceutical practice requirements.
This awareness day included the setup of health booths in the Green Area, supervised by a team of professors, students, and graduates holding a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. During the event, they provided a range of health services and consultations, including medication reviews, guidance on optimal usage, and awareness regarding potential drug interactions. They also offered blood pressure, blood glucose, and body mass index (BMI) measurements, along with guidance on natural products and dietary supplements, their suitability, and their interactions with medications.
Additionally, the booths featured specialized consultations in skincare and cosmetics, as well as practical advice to promote public health and encourage individuals to adopt healthy lifestyles, reflecting the pharmacist's societal role in prevention, awareness, and improving the quality of life.