On Thursday, October 31, 2024, His Excellency, Acting President of King Khalid University, Prof. Saad bin Mohammed bin Dujam, launched the 19th Meeting of the Council of Deans of Pharmacy Colleges in the Kingdom. In alignment with efforts to advance and enhance the quality of educational outcomes to meet the objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the event took place at the university’s campus in Al-Faraa. The meeting was attended by the council's chairman, Dean of the College of Pharmacy at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Prof. Abdulkareem Al-Bakiri, along with several deans from pharmacy colleges across the Kingdom.

Prof. Saad bin Mohammed bin Dujam opened the meeting with a welcoming address, expressing the university's honor in hosting this significant gathering, which serves to strengthen collaboration among pharmacy colleges in the Kingdom. He emphasized the importance of sharing experiences and knowledge to improve the quality of pharmacy education. Prof. Dujam noted that the meeting aims to discuss challenges facing the pharmacy profession and explore ways to equip pharmacy students with skills that align with the evolving needs of Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector.

In his remarks, Prof. Abdulkareem Al-Bakiri highlighted the importance of this meeting in consolidating efforts and promoting excellence in pharmacy education. He affirmed the council's ongoing commitment to curriculum and training development, aligning with the strategic healthcare goals of Vision 2030. He also emphasized the need for innovation in educational approaches to keep pace with rapid advancements in health sciences.

The Dean of the College of Pharmacy at King Khalid University, Dr. Yahya bin Ibrahim Asiri, described the meeting as a valuable platform for exchanging expertise among pharmacy deans, aiding curriculum development and raising quality standards in training programs. Dr. Asiri addressed the expected number of graduates for the 2024-2025 academic year, stressing the importance of ensuring their readiness to enter the healthcare sector with strong professional competencies. He also underscored the importance of adopting Jaheziah program standards within Doctor of Pharmacy programs to standardize educational outcomes, meet market needs, and support the goals of Vision 2030.

Later, Dr. Al-Bakiri chaired the proceedings of the 19th meeting, leading discussions on several critical topics in pharmaceutical education. Key focus areas included enhancing cooperation among pharmacy colleges, improving students' clinical skills, and elevating the quality of research outputs. The meeting also stressed the importance of raising quality standards in pharmaceutical education to better prepare Saudi professionals for an evolving job market.

The delegation also toured the College of Pharmacy at King Khalid University, where they observed the college's advanced facilities and equipment. The tour included laboratories outfitted with cutting-edge devices and technologies that support the practical and applied learning of pharmacy students, as well as advanced classrooms. During the visit, the delegation learned about the college’s innovative educational methods that emphasize hands-on learning and active student engagement. They also received a detailed overview of the training and development programs adopted by the college, designed to build students' professional and clinical skills through practical applications and intensive training, effectively preparing them to enter the job market and fulfill the healthcare sector's needs.