Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng., Ph.D., leads the grand opening of UGM’s Health House and Pharmacy that is located at Jalan Prof. Dr. Sardjito 25 Yogyakarta, Friday (29/4). The grand opening was marked symbolically by thumping a gong, the plaque signing, and ribbon cutting by the Rector who was accompanied by the Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy, Dr. Marchaban, DESS., Apt., and Manager of the Pharmacy, Bondan Ardiningtyas, M.Sc., Apt. The grand opening was also marked by the release of balloons by the Dean.
Bondan Ardiningtyas, M.Sc., Apt., said that the UGM’s Health House and Pharmacy is a form of service development and capacity expansion that had been established since August 14, 2000. In strengthening the business aspect, it cooperates with PT Gama Multi Independent Business (GMUM). "Along with this merger, UGM Pharmacy also changed its name to UGM Health House and Pharmacy with the slogan ‘One Stop Health Services’," he explained.
The name alteration is also followed by the development of product concepts. Previously, the service is more focused on the pharmacy, while currently services in health, fitness, and beauty are also developed, such as cooperative doctor services, healthy cafe, herbal corner and relaxation spot. "Overall, it is a form of awareness toward education and society in addition to become a challenge in the pharmaceutical business in keeping up with the dynamics in society that is more advanced," Bondan said.
Bondan mentioned that since year of 2000, UGM’s Pharmacy has become a learning place for more than 8,000 pharmacy students, both from UGM and other universities. "In guiding the future pharmacists, we apply the Competence-based Internship in hopes to be a role model in the deliverance of competent and professional pharmacists," he said.
According to Bondan, to manage and execute the mandate and build an ideality to balance the service, business, and education in one place is not an easy thing. However, his office remains committed to be the best by continuing to make improvements and provide quality pharmaceutical services, namely by ensuring the presence of pharmacists in every hour of pharmacy service with the motto "No Pharmacist, No Service".
The Rector in his speech expressed appreciation to the manager who makes efforts to make a healthy society through this establishment. "Health is one of the most important things. Therefore, I really appreciate the effort that has been done in order to make a healthy society," said the Rector.
In relation with the grand opening, the Rector hopes that the Health House and Pharmacy is not only able to become a means of education for students, but also to society in general. "I hope this can be a positive beginning and this concept would spread to the entire archipelago," he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Marchaban, DESS., Apt., said the Health House and Pharmacy is not only an education place for prospective pharmacists, but also for students to practice entrepreneurship. This business development is expected to be a means for students to develop entrepreneurial spirit.
Some other events were also held such as: free examination and treatment, health checks, i.e.: uric acid, cholesterol, blood sugar, bone density and fat, pro bono for general public and academic community of UGM.
Also present at the occasion were Vice Rector of Alumni Affairs and Business Development, Prof. Ir. Atyanto Dharoko, M. Phil., GMUM Director, the ranks of university leaders and work units in UGM, and a number of invited guests from Yogyakarta Health Department.