“One of the important protocols we are going to develop is with the Agostinho Neto University Hospital for the differentiation of pharmacists in critical areas like oncology, transplantation, and palliative care, where medications and therapeutic adjustments are crucial,” stated Hélder Mota Filipe.
The representative argued that pharmacists must be prepared to help enhance patient care.
“Innovation in treatments is evolving very quickly. Therefore, it is vital for professionals to continuously update their knowledge,” he said.
Another aspect of the cooperation will be supporting the creation and updating of laws governing pharmaceutical activities.
“The drug sector is highly regulated, and Cape Verde is among the countries that adhere most strictly to regulations in this regard. Sometimes it takes an outsider to recognize that. When compared to other African countries, Cape Verde is in a leading position,” he stated.
During the visit, the significance of pharmacists in the field of pharmacoeconomics, which aids in analyzing the costs and benefits of very expensive medications, was also highlighted.
The aim is to ensure that healthcare systems remain sustainable, even with rising treatment costs.
According to the representative, Cape Verde is a reference in establishing rules for the pharmaceutical sector, and Portugal aims to continue aiding in this path, particularly through the sharing of best practices.
Training sessions will include Cape Verdean pharmacists selected by local institutions and will take place in existing cycles in Portugal.
During the visit, existing agreements between professional orders and healthcare institutions of both countries were also updated.
The protocol with the Hospital Agostinho Neto is expected to be signed soon, with activities commencing in the coming months.
Hélder Mota Filipe stated that the relationship between the pharmaceutical orders of Portugal and Cape Verde “is longstanding” and considered the visit “very positive” and “within expectations.”
“There has been a clear evolution in health in Cape Verde. A sustainable development strategy is noticeable, both technically and politically. Comparing with 10 years ago, one can see the difference and improvement in responding to the population’s needs,” he remarked.
Over the two days, the representative met with the Minister of Health of Cape Verde, the Ambassador of Portugal, the Chairman of the Board of the Agostinho Neto Hospital, representatives from Jean Piaget University, and other sector entities.
