Jeddah: Reinforcing its long-standing commitment to public health and professional collaboration, the Saudi Kerala Pharmacists Forum has been reconstituted with renewed leadership and an expanded vision for community service. For more than two decades, the forum has served as a unifying platform for pharmacy professionals across Saudi Arabia, promoting knowledge sharing, public health awareness, and humanitarian engagement.
Entering a new phase of activity, the forum has announced a series of initiatives designed to benefit both the public and professionals in the pharmaceutical sector. Dr. Suhaj Abdul Saleem (Qassim University – Buraidah), who has been elected as the new President, said the organization plans to broaden its outreach through enhanced health awareness campaigns and by providing guidance to individuals who bring medicines from their home countries. These initiatives are intended to strengthen responsible healthcare practices while extending professional support within the community.
At the General Body meeting, members unanimously elected a new leadership team to guide the forum’s future activities. Abid Parakkal (Johns Hopkins Aramco Hospital – Dammam) was elected as General Secretary, while Yasir K. Pari (Zahra Pharmacy Group – Jeddah) assumed the position of Treasurer.
The forum also elected Dr. Sabna Kotta, Mohammed Rafi T. M., and Mohammed Ali Koladi as Vice Presidents. Rifadh K. Saidu, Mahesh Palliyalthodi, and Nufail K. K. were chosen as Joint Secretaries, completing the executive team that will oversee the forum’s programmes and organizational development. The election proceedings were supervised by Hanifa Parakkal, and the panel presented by Yahya K. K. was unanimously approved by the General Body.
The periodic report was presented by Mohammed Shihabuddin, highlighting the forum’s key achievements over the past term. Members acknowledged the successful organization of Silver Jubilee programmes, including BENEXIA, as well as the forum’s drug information services, charitable initiatives, and various public awareness campaigns.
As part of its organizational restructuring, the forum has also assigned responsibilities for its various wings. Mohammed Shihabuddin will head the Charity Wing, overseeing philanthropic and community outreach initiatives. The Education Wing will be led by Shabeer Ali Thorakkatil, focusing on professional development and knowledge exchange, while the Media Wing will be coordinated by Umair Avelath, responsible for communication and public engagement.
The Members’ Welfare Division will function under the guidance of the Core Committee to ensure the well-being and support of members. Salahuddin K. and Safeer Mancheriyil have also been elected as Executive Members.
To strengthen regional coordination across Saudi Arabia, Provincial Coordinators have been appointed: Atheeq V. P. (Jeddah), Hisham Manoli (Dammam), Mohammed Tanveer V. (Makkah), Ashkar (Madinah), Yunus Mannisseri (Riyadh), Sajidur Rahman (Taif), Ashiq Poonoor (Tabuk), Mohammed Safil K. (Rabigh), Mohammed Thwayyib (Jizan), Mohammed Noufal V. (Khamis), and Sheril K. Chemblon (Buraidah). They will help coordinate the forum’s activities and connect professionals across different regions of the Kingdom.
The Advisory Council will comprise Hanifa Parakkal, Yahya K. K., and Dr. Abubakkar Siddique, whose experience and guidance are expected to support the forum’s future initiatives. The General Body meeting, held on March 27, was presided over by Dr. Abubakkar Siddique. Mohammed Shihabuddin delivered the welcome address, and the meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Riyas Moytheen.
With a renewed leadership structure and a strengthened organizational framework, members moved the needle with confidence that the Saudi Kerala Pharmacists Forum will continue to play an active role in promoting public health awareness and professional collaboration in the years ahead.
M Siraj.
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