UPCLOSE WITH SEASONED PHARMACIST: ZANGA MUSAKUZI

PHARMACIST play a key role in helping patients feel better and get well as quickly as possible. Being a pharmacist is not just restricted to the dispensing of drugs, but it involves continuous learning, collaboration with physicians, and direct interaction with patients. The Daily Nation Lifestyle recently interviewed, Zanga Musakuzi, a seasoned pharmacist with over 15 years of experience, to pick his brain as we delve into the world of pharmacy and it’s profound impact in this important field.

Born in the Copperbelt, precisely, in Kitwe, Musakuzi’s educational healthcare journey started at Evelyn Hone College where he earned himself a diploma in Pharmacy in, 2012. He later joined the Ministry of Health (MoH) in Zambia and was stationed in Lusaka at the District Health Office. Driven by a remarkable determination to enhance his knowledge and the love for the healthcare industry, he enrolled at Lusaka Apex University to pursue a BSc Degree in Pharmacy.

Asked what was the inspiration to studying pharmacy, Musakuzi responded, “What inspired me to become a pharmacist is the desire to make a difference in people’s lives and contribute to society in a meaningful way. I would say my decision to study pharmacy was multifaceted. Initially, the idea of job prospects and the marketability of pharmacy as a field motivated me. However, my true passion for healthcare blossomed during a pivotal moment in my third year of studies at Roan Hospital in Luanshya. It was there that I had a transformative experience. I vividly remember dispensing medication and providing counseling to a patient who was in considerable pain. To brighten her day, I decided to crack a joke while explaining how to take her medication. Witnessing her smile through the pain made me realize the incredible power of human connection in healthcare. It was in that moment that I fell in love with pharmacy. I’ve been in this field for over a decade now. I have to mention that my life is not only defined by my career but also by my wonderful family. I’m happily married to my best friend, Caroline Hangoma, and we are blessed with two beautiful daughters,” says the soft spoken pharmacist.

When asked what best describes him as a pharmacist and what best advise he was given when venturing into pharmacy, Musakuzi, responded by saying, “I would characterize myself as someone who is compassionate, patient-centric, and dedicated to improving patients’ lives through pharmaceutical care. I strive to provide the same level of care and attention to every patient as I would want for my own family. I always imagine my self as a patient, how would I want the pharmacy personnel to serve me, I always ask my self, about if this was my mother , how would I want her to be treated, I always stive to put in my best as if my life depends on it, to be kind to everyone because you don’t know what tomorrow holds, and this world needs people to put a smile on it. The best advice I received was from my dad, Mr Robbie Musakuzi, he always told me to put myself in the patient’s shoes and treat every patient as if they were a family member. This advice reminded me of the importance of empathy in healthcare, and it has been a guiding principle in my work”

Asked what advised he had for someone struggling in their pharmacy studies, Musakuzi said, “I would advise them to stay committed and seek help when needed. Remember the profound impact you can make on patients’ lives and consider finding a mentor for guidance and support”