The virtual SEP which was held by NUS Pharmaceutical Society in “#LetsTalk Beyond COVID-19: Changing Outlook of the Healthcare System” theme. The event took three days with three different sessions in February 20th, 26th, and 27th. “The virtual SEP is held due to this pandemic that causes student exchanges difficulties because of different regional regulations. This year’s virtual SEP is designated to be participated by all students association from International Pharmaceutical Students Federation (IPSF),” said Aristo Hakisa Rendra, one of ITB delegation.

The virtual SEP focused on COVID-19 effects on pharmacy sector, both industrial and clinical. “First thing first, the role of pharmacists in various sectors, such as regulatory affairs, quality assurance, pharmacovigilance, are explained. Then, the effects on each sectors such as hospitals and pharmacists, medical consultations are moved online to reduce physical contact, in which patients only need to physically come to clinics or hospitals to take their medics. In industrial sector, there are things that are needed to be produced as quickly as possible, such as hand sanitizers,” he said.

He also added that the participants’ enthusiasm is notably high. There are more or less 100 participants attending each session. Moreover, this program is 100 percent free, so that a lot of students were helped.

After the virtual SEP in NUS, delegates were fulfilled with new experiences and knowledge. “We were informed about pharmaceutical system in Singapore, where they always try to adapt and overcome the pandemic situation. Since Singapore is one of many that handle the pandemic pretty well, we could learn to be more aware and adaptive as pharmacy students,” said Aristo.

Aristo as one of the delegates hoped that in the future, ITB students especially ones in the Pharmacy Student Association would always develop themselves and learn not only in national scale, but also internationally. “After the SEP, we are now inspired to innovate in competitions, creating public health campaigns, public educating, and many more. Most importantly, as an ITB student: To learn something new every day!”

Reporter: Christopher Wijaya (Sains dan Teknologi Farmasi, 2016)
Translator: Tamara Maharani Alamsyah (TPB FSRD 2020)