The need to re-determine the position of the Greek pharmacist, and to secure their status in the current Greek socioeconomic system, was stressed at the event that ELPEN's Consumer Health Care Department organized for pharmacists in Chania. The event took place under the auspices of the Pharmaceutical Associations of Chania and Rethymnon, where a great interest and attendance was observed. In this context, an address was given by: the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Association of Chania, Mr. Emmanouil Katsarakis; the Chairman of the Pharmaceutical Association of Rethymnon, Mr. Konstantinos Vardiabasis, and by Ms. Kitty Kyziridou, Director of ELPEN's Consumer Health Care Department. Speakers at the event were: Mr. Vassilis Pentafragas, ELPEN's Corporate Affairs Director, and Ms. Efi Thoma, Product Manager of the Respiratory Division. From the medical community, the event was attended by Dr. Vasileios Vagenas, Specialist Neurologist, who is the Director of the "Agioi Anargyroi" Neurological Clinic, and President of the Scientific Committee of the Athens Alzheimer Society.
Referring to the pharmaceutical policies and Greek drugs, Mr. V. Pentafragas stressed that:
"We, the people of ELPEN, believe that the future for all of us relies on the responsibility and the attitude of each and every one of us, today. We must fight daily for excellence, we must constantly improve our knowledge, and passionately seek the challenges of tomorrow. We believe that branded Greek pharmaceuticals are part of the solution in what regards pharmaceutical expenditure issues, as much as in attaining the desired economic development, because:
- They have an identity of origin, they are of high quality, and are safe and effective.
- They constitute the most cost-effective solution both for the citizens, as well as for the Greek Social Security system.
- Their value remains in Greece, thus regenerating growth.
We produce good quality branded drugs, both generics and originals. Our products are effective and cost-effective drugs, having an identity and the guarantee offered by ELPEN. We are aware of and constantly create national added-value products, with our every endeavor. We acknowledge and appreciate our partners. We stand by all those who contribute to, and who daily serve the country's public Health: the country's doctors and pharmacies, and we want you all on our side in order to fortify our endeavor for a better future for us all!. We have been doing this for almost 50 years and we will continue doing so, we will continue to invest in growth and development, based on the fundamental principles of our company, and on the values and philosophy of the Founder of ELPEN, Mr. Dimitrios Pentafragas"
Mrs. Kyziridou underlined that: "with our collaboration with pharmacists, ELPEN aims to offer high-standard scientific services to the Greek patients, who have suffered from ineffective policies in the recent years, as have pharmacies, which in 2014 came under severe strain. The conditions are ripe and the timing is right to bring out the potential of pharmacies, provided that 5 key factors are utilized: the organization and application of new innovative processes; the development of new entrepreneurial categories and services; the ongoing training and education; the scientific approach to, and information of patients-consumers; and the re-determination of the position of pharmacies in the current Greek socioeconomic system."
Mrs. Thoma presented the novel dry-powder inhaler known worldwide as, Elpenhaler®, an invention by ELPEN's Founder and Chairman, Mr. Dimitrios Pentafragas, which spearheaded the creation of the subsidiary ELPEN PHARMA GmbH in Germany. Thanks to its cutting-edge, novel design, it is patent-protected in more than 80 countries, it has been approved in 27 European countries, and is marketed in 7 of these countries. Ms. Thoma also presented the "ANASA" study, performed to record patients' satisfaction with inhaler devices, where a distinct superiority of Elpenhaler® was recorded. Our device attained the highest overall average ranking, with respect to the other inhalers. The "ANASA" study involved 560 adult participants suffering from asthma, and 561 suffering from Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Disease (COPD), in 79 different centers.
Specialized Neurologist Dr. Vagenas referred to the modern problem faced by healthy adults: the decline of intellectual clarity and memory, mainly on account of the modern intense lifestyle, as well as the factors of stress and fatigue. He focused on the importance of preventive action, noting that "specialized dietary supplements for memory, such as NeuroAge®, can offer satisfactory preventive solutions that effectively enhance concentration, memory, learning and rational thought."