Insider Spotlight
The health and wellness retailer recently concluded its Respiratory Care Educator Program, a comprehensive training effort that equipped store pharmacists with updated clinical knowledge and practical skills through expert-led lectures, workshops, and case-based learning sessions.
The program comes as respiratory illnesses such as asthma, pneumonia, allergic rhinitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease continue to affect large segments of the Philippine population.
Why it matters
Pharmacists are often among the first healthcare professionals consulted by patients seeking advice on respiratory symptoms and medication management. Strengthening their expertise can help improve early intervention, treatment adherence, and patient education at the community level.
“It is only the beginning of a stronger collaboration and shared mission to empower our pharmacists and expand access to quality respiratory care in the communities we serve,” Watsons Philippines director for people and organization development Ma. Corina Marte said in a press statement.
“The space we create in Watsons stores is no longer just for dispensing medicines, but also for enabling better patient education, early identification of respiratory conditions, and continuous care.”
Marte also thanked the Philippine College of Chest Physicians and the Philippine Pharmacists Association for supporting the initiative and helping advance respiratory healthcare education in the country.
The details
Training sessions covered asthma and COPD diagnosis and management, inhalational therapy principles, advanced pharmacotherapy, drug interaction management, and effective patient communication. Participants also attended hands-on inhaler technique workshops and practical case exercises designed to simulate real-world patient scenarios.
“We believe that accessible healthcare begins with empowered healthcare professionals. Through the Respiratory Care Educator Program, we aim to equip pharmacists and healthcare practitioners with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills to improve patient education, treatment adherence, and overall respiratory health outcomes in the communities we serve,” Watsons managing director Danilo Chiong said.
What’s next
Watsons said the program concluded with a shared commitment among healthcare partners, pharmacists, and practitioners to continue advancing respiratory health through education, collaboration, and patient empowerment across communities nationwide. —Vanessa Hidalgo| Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
