Near East University Faculty of Pharmacy students turned their theoretical knowledge into practice by preparing antiseptic lozenges in the workshop organized within the scope of the “Majistral Preparation Event”!
Within the scope of the “Majistral Preparation Event” organized in cooperation with the Near East University Faculty of Pharmacy, the Northern Cyprus Pharmacy Students Association (NEUPSANC) and the Dean of Students, a “Pastile Preparation” practice was carried out for pharmacy students.
The event, organized by NEUPSANC, operating under the Near East University Student Dean's Office, aimed to develop students' professional skills by putting their theoretical knowledge into practice. Thanks to the lozenge preparation application, which is one of the basic production processes in the field of pharmaceutical technology, participants had the opportunity to learn detailed information about the preparation of magistral formulations, the use of appropriate techniques and quality control processes. The event, which is of great importance in terms of reinforcing the basic practices of the pharmacy profession and gaining practical experience, made significant contributions to the students' professional development. Students, who had the opportunity to develop their knowledge and skills in a practical training environment, took an important step towards preparing for their profession in a more equipped way as future pharmacists.
The event, which was attended by many students, was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Dr. İhsan Çalış, the Dean of Students at the Near East University and also the Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Botany and Phytotherapy at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Prof. Dr. Dudu Özkum Yavuz, and the President of NEUPSANC, Tanaka Moses Nyabvure.
They produced it in a laboratory environment and prepared their own lozenges!
As part of the event, students prepared antiseptic hard candy lozenges, experienced the production process step by step, and also gained practical knowledge about pharmaceutical formulations. The lozenges, prepared using sugar, honey, distilled water, lemon oil or peppermint oil as flavorings, and coloring agents, were caramelized at a certain temperature, poured into molds, and solidified by cooling. Students observed the effects of additives used in lozenge production on taste, consistency, and shelf life. It was conveyed that the prepared lozenges could provide local effects for sore throats, coughs, and mouth infections, and could also contain formulas that support immunity with their vitamin content. This application also allowed pharmacy students to reinforce their theoretical knowledge about the drug preparation process and increase their practical skills. It also raised awareness about patient-friendly dosage forms.
Theoretical knowledge turned into practice!
At the event, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Dr. İhsan Çalış, who emphasized that Near East University has infrastructure opportunities that are not available in many pharmacy faculties, said, “We have a place that makes a difference in pharmacy education with our young faculty members. We are a faculty that follows developments immediately and constantly updates its education program to train the pharmacists of the future.
“Seeing our students happy makes us happy too,” he said. Stating that the organized workshops provided students with the opportunity to learn basic pharmaceutical production processes on-site, Prof. Dr. Dudu Özkum Yavuz, Dean of Students at Near East University and Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Botany and Phytotherapy at the Faculty of Pharmacy, said, “Such practices prepare our students for the future and increase their confidence in the profession.” NEUPSANC President Tanaka Moses Nyabvure emphasized the importance of student-focused activities and said, “Thanks to such practices, we have the opportunity to put our theoretical knowledge into practice. Preparing a product with our own hands increases our motivation and reinforces our professional competence.”
