CELEBRATION OF THE 184^TH ANNIVERSARY OF SCIENTIFIC PHARMACY ON MAY 14^TH PHARMACY DAY

On Friday, May 12^th, 2023, the 184th anniversary of the establishment of the first pharmacy class at Mekteb-i Tıbbiye-i Şahane on May 14^th, 1839, marking the beginning of pharmacy as an academic profession in Turkey, was celebrated during the May 14^th Pharmacy Day events. The celebrations began with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Atatürk Monument in Cumhuriyet Square.

The event was organized in collaboration with the 25^th District Mersin Chamber of Pharmacists and Mersin University Faculty of Pharmacy. Participants included Yenişehir Mayor and Pharmacist Abdullah ÖZYİĞİT, Mersin University Vice-Rector Prof. Ahmet Hakan ÖZTÜRK, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Necmiye CANACANKATAN, President of the 25th District Mersin Chamber of Pharmacists Msc. Pharm. Özgün SAĞIR, Co-Chairman of the Güney Ecza Cooperative Board Pharm. Göksel DÖNMEZ, President of the Veterinary Chamber Bektaş ŞENAY, Head of Health Services Msc. Dr. İbrahim AKÇA, academic and administrative staff, pharmacists, and students from the Faculty of Pharmacy. The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem.

Yenişehir Mayor Abdullah ÖZYİĞİT expressed his pride in welcoming his fellow pharmacists in Yenişehir, especially in his capacity as both mayor and pharmacist. He honored the memory of those who lost their lives in the recent earthquake and commended the exemplary work carried out by the Turkish Pharmacists Association, Chamber of Pharmacists, and Pharmaceutical Cooperatives during the disaster.

Mersin University Vice-Rector Prof. Ahmet Hakan ÖZTÜRK celebrated May 14^th Pharmacy Day, emphasizing the importance of quality education in nurturing future generations and expressing his satisfaction with the accreditation of the University's Faculty of Pharmacy.

Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Necmiye CANACANKATAN, highlighted the significance of the pharmacy profession in the context of the earthquake, stating that the disaster had underscored the value of pharmacists in the healthcare system. She praised the efforts of the Turkish Pharmacists Association, Regional Chambers of Pharmacists, and Pharmaceutical Cooperatives in providing critical services in the earthquake zone. She also emphasized the importance of training pharmacists who can effectively manage disaster situations and foster professional solidarity. Prof. CANACANKATAN further noted the faculty's commitment to university-industry collaboration, citing the cooperation protocol with Abdi İbrahim Pharmaceutical Company and various social projects with external stakeholders. She concluded by defining pharmacy as a science, an art that transforms active ingredients into medicine, and a culture that sustains health, wishing all pharmacists, faculty members, and students a happy May 14^th Pharmacy Day.

Msc. Pharm. Özgün SAĞIR, President of the 25^th District Mersin Chamber of Pharmacists, reflected on the February 6th earthquake, which he described as the disaster of the century. He expressed deep sorrow for the loss of 44 fellow pharmacists, 21 pharmacy students, and over 51,000 lives, including pharmacy technicians, and extended his condolences to their families. He also spoke about the voluntary efforts of pharmacists, pharmacy students, and technicians in providing aid and pharmaceutical services during the disaster. He concluded by celebrating May 14th Pharmacy Day with unity, solidarity, and enthusiasm.

Co-Chairman of the Güney Ecza Cooperative Board, Pharm. Göksel DÖNMEZ shared his condolences regarding the earthquake and discussed the contributions of pharmacists during the crisis.

The event continued with a presentation titled "Personal Quality and Professionalism" by trainer Marziye İLHAN. After the presentation, plaques were awarded to pharmacists who had completed 25 and 50 years in the profession, as well as to those who volunteered in field pharmacies, students, and technicians. Certificates of achievement were also presented to faculty members with academic success and to students who completed their master's and doctoral studies. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to pharmacists who contributed to the "Professional Education in Business" internship program at the Mersin University Faculty of Pharmacy.