Amman, Oct. 5 (Petra) -- The introductory meeting for the "Unit One" program and the official launch of the Regional Center of Excellence for Pharmacists took place on Sunday in Amman.
The event was organized by the Jordanian Pharmacists Association in partnership with UNESCO and the International Pharmaceutical Federation, with participation from deans of pharmacy faculties, university representatives, and health institutions.
Zaid Al-Kilani, President of the Jordanian Pharmacists Association, described the launch as a significant milestone in advancing pharmaceutical education in the region. He emphasized that the center represents a strategic step toward enhancing the status of the profession and improving the competencies of Jordanian pharmacists in line with international standards.
Al-Kilani highlighted the association’s commitment to being an active partner in global initiatives that bring together universities and international organizations to support scientific research and curriculum development.
On behalf of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Saad Bani Muhammad, Vice President of the Accreditation and Quality Assurance Commission, noted that higher education in Jordan is a cornerstone of national development. He said the ministry and commission are working to update academic accreditation and quality assurance standards to meet labor market requirements, particularly in health disciplines that directly affect human life.
Bani Muhammad added that pharmaceutical education is a priority in development plans. Universities are supported to modernize curricula to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical and clinical training, develop performance evaluation mechanisms, and link outcomes to measurable quality indicators.
He explained that the commission is also updating pharmacy program accreditation standards, linking enrollment capacity with indicators such as professional licensing exam pass rates, graduate employment, and employer satisfaction. Curricula are incorporating English language skills, life skills, and professional competencies to improve graduates’ competitiveness in local, regional, and international markets.
Bani Muhammad stressed that advancing pharmaceutical education is a shared responsibility requiring collaboration among universities, the pharmacists association, and public and private health sectors. He added that Jordan possesses the scientific talent necessary to enhance research and develop the pharmaceutical industry.
The meeting featured remarks from Nadia Al-Mazrouei, Vice President of the International Pharmaceutical Federation, Wael Ali, Head of the Federation’s Regional Office, and a UNESCO representative, who highlighted the importance of the initiative in promoting regional cooperation and academic exchange. Participants were honored with symbolic plaques recognizing their contributions.
//Petra// RZ
