Much loved and respected WHO Western Pacific Pharmacy Leader announces retirement at National Medicines Policy Meeting
Much loved and respected WHO Western Pacific Pharmacy Leader announces retirement at National Medicines Policy Meeting
As the Asia Pacific National Medicines Policies conference drew to a close, the Conference Chairman announced that Dr Budiono Santoso would retire from WHO, the following day, and pursue his retirement as an author. It was an emotionally charged event as fellow staff members made presentations and members of the small island nations of the Pacific spoke of his support over many years, concluding with a typical island song of farewell. After a brief and emotional response, Budi, as he was better known to his regional friends, left the stage to a standing ovation.
Dr Santoso graduated as a medical doctor and clinical pharmacologist and graduating from Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, where he was head of clinical pharmacology until 1999. He completed a further doctoral degree at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK, in 1983. He was one of the founding members of the international network for rational use of drugs.
On behalf of WHO he co-ordinated collaborations in different areas of national medicines policies and initiated the project on promoting ethical practices and good governance in medicine in the Western Pacific region which program has now become a global WHO program.
Dr Santoso has strongly supported many international projects to improve pharmaceutical services in the Western Pacific region activated by WPPF. He was also a regular attendee with members of his staff at Executive meetings of the Forum, giving considerable advice and bringing us up to date with WHO activities and concerns within the region.
John Ware as President of the Forum and speaking on behalf of the Executive and member countries, wished Dr Santoso a long and fulfilling retirement and thanked him for the support and advice he had given the Forum and for his promotion of good pharmacy practices within the region.
Dr Budiono Santoso being farewelled by WHO regional office staff and his colleague from the South East Asian office (far right), Dr Kathleen Holloway.
Biribo Tekanene, Chief Pharmacist, Cook Islands, farewelling Dr Santoso, on behalf of the Pacific Island nations
Dr Budiono Santoso