As part of the “Magistral 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 “Pastille Preparation” workshop was carried out for pharmacy students.

The event organized by NEUPSANC, operating under the Near East University Dean of Students, aimed to develop the students’ professional skills by putting their theoretical knowledge into practice. Thanks to the pastilles preparation application, which is one of the basic production processes in the field of pharmaceutical technology, the 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 professions in a more equipped manner as future pharmacists.

The event, which was attended by many students, included; Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Dr. İhsan Çalış, Dean of Students at the Near East University and Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Botany and Phytotherapy from the Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Dr. Dudu Özkum Yavuz and NEUPSANC President Tanaka Moses Nyabvure.

They made production in a laboratory environment and prepared their own pastilles!
As part of the event, students prepared antiseptic hard candy pastilles, experienced the production process step by step and gained practical information about pharmaceutical formulations. The pastilles, prepared using sugar, honey, distilled water, lemon oil or mint oil as flavoring and coloring agents, were caramelized at a certain temperature, poured into molds and solidified by cooling. Students observed the effects of excipients used in pastille production on taste, consistency and shelf life. It was reported that the prepared pastilles can provide local effects on sore throats, coughs and mouth infections, and can 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 created awareness about patient-friendly dosage forms.

Theoretical knowledge turned into practice!
Emphasizing that Near East University has infrastructure opportunities that many pharmacy faculties do not have, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Dr. İhsan Çalış 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 also makes us happy.” Stating that the workshops provide students with the opportunity to learn basic pharmaceutical production processes on site, Dean of the Near East University Students, Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Botany and Phytotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Dr. Dudu Özkum Yavuz said, “Such practices make our students more prepared 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.”