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University of Botswana (UB) Department of Pharmacy in the Faculty of Health Sciences has ushered in a new generation of future clinical pharmacists during at its 7th White Coat and Oath-Taking Ceremony. The event marked a significant milestone in the students’ academic journey, symbolising their formal entry into the clinical healthcare profession and the pharmaceutical industry.

Delivering his keynote address, UB Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, urged the inductees to apply innovative thinking and intellectual rigour in tackling Botswana’s health challenges.

“Apply both knowledge and intellect to addressing challenges faced by the country,” he said, further encouraging the student pharmacists to use the skills acquired at the University to advance solutions to national medical challenges. He also called on them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical practice throughout their careers.

Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr Mabel Kefilwe Moeng-Magowe, reminded the future pharmacists of their responsibility to maintain the Botswana Health Professions Council (BHPC) standards. She urged them to acquire the necessary licenses, adhere to professional codes of conduct and remain committed to ensuring public safety.

“Never compromise on the values and standards of your profession,” she advised. Acting Deputy Dean, Professor Nthabiseng Phaladze, described the White Coat Ceremony as a rite of passage marking the transition from academic study to clinical practice. She encouraged the students to uphold integrity both within and beyond the profession, and to strive for academic and professional excellence.

“You are not just healthcare professionals but community educators,” she said, underscoring the importance of effective communication and compassion in patient care. Meanwhile, Chief Operations Director at Medswana, Mr Marc Falos, underscored the deeper meaning of the ceremony, stating: “The White Coat Ceremony is more than just wearing a garment - it is a pledge to science, to service and to the people of Botswana.”

He reminded the inductees that their entry into the profession came at a critical time, following the government’s declaration of a State of Public Health Emergency.

“This is a wake-up call and an opportunity to rethink, rebuild and re-engineer our medical supply chain from the ground up,” he said. “You are pivotal in guiding rationing, forecasting, analysing medicines, procuring essentials ethically and serving as emergency planners and community linkers.”

Mr Falos also encouraged the students to look beyond classroom learning and embrace innovation and entrepreneurship to respond to emerging health sector challenges.