On October 9, 2024, Gulf Medical University (GMU) inaugurated the Medication Counselling Center at Thumbay Pharmacy powered by MPC group within Thumbay University Hospital. The opening ceremony was attended by Prof. Hossam Hamdy, Chancellor of GMU, Prof. Manda Venkatramana, Vice Chancellor Academics & Dean, College of Medicine, Dr. Samir Mahmoud, Director of the Patients & Customer Division at MPC, alongside Prof. Muhammad Al-Shorbagy, Dean of GMU’s College of Pharmacy and top executives at Thumbay University Hospital.
Located at the front of the hospital’s pharmacy, the Center provides walk-in counselling services to all patients. Two experienced pharmacists, one from MPC and one from GMU, are available to offer both in-patient and out-patient counselling. GMU College of Pharmacy preceptors, already serving as clinical pharmacists within the hospital, are now extending their expertise to out-patient care.
This service expansion into ambulatory care strengthens GMU’s clinical pharmacy presence in the Northern Emirates where such a service is offered fully in a dedicated area for the first time. As an academic hospital, the Center offers high-quality counselling free of charge, supported by GMU’s clinical preceptors. This partnership between GMU and MPC ensures comprehensive pharmacy services across in-patient and ambulatory settings, solidifying Thumbay University Hospital as a premier destination for pharmacy education.
Prof. Muhammad Al-Shorbagy, Dean of GMU College of Pharmacy, highlighted the significance of this initiative, noting its role in providing practical learning opportunities for students enrolled in BPharm, Master in Clinical Pharmacy, and postgraduate PharmD programs. Pharmacy students will benefit from real-world exposure by shadowing preceptors in various clinical settings, including the new Medication Counselling Center.