The Pharmacy Oath Taking and White Coat Ceremony for the Bachelor of Pharmacy students at Villa College took place today at 10:00 am. The event was honored by the presence of Dr. Ahmed Ashraf, Director General of Health Services at the Ministry of Health.

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Aishath Mala, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, delivered a welcome speech highlighting the crucial role of pharmacists in society. She also discussed the impact of pharmacists in developed countries and their significant contributions to the manufacture of medicines.

"The long-standing belief that pharmacists only sell medication has changed in the developed world today. And it is very encouraging that this is now changing in the Maldives.”

After the opening remarks, the white coats were presented to the Bachelor of Pharmacy students. The Rector of Villa College, Dr. Ahmed Anwar, along with Dr. Ahmed Ashraf, the guest of honor, Aishath Mala, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, and Ali Najib, Vice Rector, participated in the ceremony.

Once the white coats were presented, the students took their oath, administered by Aishath Mala, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Following this, a souvenir was given to the chief guest on behalf of Villa College. It was presented to him by Dr. Ahmed Anwar, Rector of Villa College.

After the white coats were presented, the Chief Guest addressed the attendees, highlighting Villa College’s efforts in developing health professionals.

"Villa College's provision of this training is a significant relief for us in finding qualified professionals. The health sector impacts each and every one of us."

At the closing ceremony, Vice Rector Dr. Ali Najeeb emphasized the significance of the event and noted that Villa College is the first educational institution in the country to present white coats to pharmacy students.
He also encouraged the Villa College graduates to uphold ethical standards recognized by the professional community and to maintain a continuous commitment to learning. He emphasized that the oath and the white coat they received today come with significant responsibility.

Twenty-two students of Villa College's Bachelor of Pharmacy were sworn in at the ceremony.