We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Kamenthiren Govender, a seasoned pharmacist and pharmacy manager with over 24 years in healthcare. This edition explores his insights on the NetClix platform, the evolving pharmaceutical profession, and the importance of mental health awareness.
Kamenthiren’s journey in pharmacy started with a drive to make a real difference in healthcare. His role lets him live that passion daily, and he finds deep satisfaction in helping and connecting with a wide range of customers.
NetClix and Cnnect
Kamenthiren praises the NetClix platform’s modernity, efficiency, and unique feature of being data-free. He describes it as a fantastic resource that provides essential, up-to-date information to healthcare professionals, enhancing their knowledge and facilitating ongoing learning. Furthermore, the platform assists him with his Continuing Professional Development (CPD), reducing stress and making his job more manageable.
One aspect of the Cnnect-powered platform that particularly resonates with Kamenthiren is the reward system implemented for course completion. He appreciates the incentives offered to motivate users to work diligently and finish their courses, further enhancing their professional growth.
Mental Health Awareness
Focusing on mental health awareness, Kamenthiren highlights its crucial importance. Serving a large population of university students, the pharmacy plays a vital role in promoting and supporting mental health initiatives.
Kamenthiren observes that the transition from high school to university often presents significant challenges, leading to a rise in mental health conditions among students. Many students he encounters are dealing with various mental health challenges, usually requiring medication such as anti-anxiety, anti-depressants, or medications for psychosis. Kamenthiren and his pharmacy team recognise their clinical role in supporting these patients as the initial resource available to them. They provide information, resources, and guidance while referring them to additional professional help when necessary.
To further assist customers with mental health conditions, Kamenthiren’s pharmacy has taken proactive steps. They have established a quiet room where individuals can discuss their concerns privately and comfortably with a healthcare professional. Moreover, they prioritise customer comfort by allowing them to choose a healthcare professional they feel most at ease with, be it a male, female, senior, or young professional.
Additional Resources
Kamenthiren’s team goes the extra mile by utilising additional resources to provide comprehensive information to customers. When needed, they collaborate with the customer’s doctors or other healthcare specialists to ensure they receive the best advice, information, and resources for their specific condition.
To stay updated on mental health-related information and medication, Kamenthiren seeks the assistance of pharmacy representatives. He actively seeks more information and continually organises training initiatives to educate himself and his colleagues.
When patients are hesitant to begin treatment for mental health conditions, Kamenthiren takes the time to engage in conversations, listen to their concerns, and provide counselling, information, and resources. He aims to reassure and empower patients to pursue treatment. If the patient remains hesitant, he collaborates with the healthcare professional who prescribed the medication to explore further and find the best course of action.
Kamenthiren identifies the lack of mental health awareness as a significant barrier to seeking treatment. By destigmatising mental health conditions and normalising conversations around them, he believes it will be easier for individuals to overcome their fears and seek the help they need.
Kamenthiren understands the challenges patients face when managing multiple medications for various conditions. He emphasises the importance of building solid relationships with his customers. By taking the time to understand their personal history, behaviours, and concerns, he can offer tailored advice and ensure their safety and well-being. This personalised approach enhances the care he provides, and fosters trust and connection with those he serves.