Two separate teams of health science students are in Guatemala over Spring Break this year.  One team consists of nursing and pharmacy students.  The other includes OT and PT students.  Both  team are writing about their experiences.

Team Nursing/Pharmacy
from Erin Todd, Erin Oakley,
Kandice Squires, Noah Ploegman &
Justin Beasley

Today our group drove to San Luca, a small town ten minutes from Antigua, to visit a pharmaceutical manufacturer called PharmaDel. Here we had the unique opportunity to observe the medication manufacturing process first-hand. It was exciting for us as future pharmacists to follow a medication from its raw form into its final packaged product ready to be distributed across Central America. We were impressed with the level of dedication and integrity demonstrated by plant employees.

After observing these processes for both solid and liquid medication formulations, our tour then shifted focus from the manufacturing aspect towards PharmaDel`s quality assurance measures. The technology and lab techniques used to evaluate the purity of the medication produced are very similar to those which we use in our country. Special air pressurization, filtration systems, and room design functioned to enhance sterility and prevent contamination. PharmaDel is working towards becoming certified by the World Health Organization as meeting their highest standards for pharmaceutical manufacturing. It was surprising to our group that most of the drug development and quality assurance measures were performed by pharmacists, however, the guide explained to us that this is a common role for pharmacists in Guatemala. To become licensed, students complete 5 years of post-high school general and pharmacy education, plus 6 months each in a hospital and laboratory practice setting. Finally, they complete an internship in one of these areas, which often leads to employment.

Our team greatly appreciated the willingness of PharmaDel to accommodate and educate our group on global pharmacy practices. Since we had previously noted many medications were readily accessible without a prescription in Guatemala, we all left feeling reassured knowing that out patients here have access to medications prepared according to safety and quality standards.

Our day concluded with a rare opportunity to visit the U.S. Embassy. Special Agent James with the State Department security service spoke to us about the role of the Embassy in Guatemala and around the world. We learned about how the Embassy works as a vital arm of the government in international relations and serves U.S. Citizens that travel abroad. Students also learned important information about safety while traveling in Guatemala and the importance of being prepared to act in case of emergency. Active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes require visitors to be ready for sudden departure. Students and faculty appreciated the unique opportunity to see the inner workings of the Embassy and hear about the U.S. Government’s perspective on travel.