A new UBC campaign, Pictures for Progress, highlights issues of inaccessibility to medication through the use of images and creative artwork.
The project is driven by the UBC chapter of UAEM (Universities Allied for Essential Medicines), an international group dedicated to enhancing the impact of universities’ biomedical research on global health.
The campaign encourages student engagement and submission of interpretive art and photography to promote access to medication for all.
“The issue is not something that is out there and far from us, but rather something we see on a local scale -- especially on campus,” said Angela Ji, president of the campaign and second-year pharmacy student.
While inaccessibility is used as a broad term to encompass the various barriers the public can face, the issue is in fact more complex.
Complications often arise from a combination of disadvantageous factors including patent laws, health policies, lack of effective knowledge dissemination and pharmaceutical industry values.
To filter these facts, Pictures for Progress members serve as a link between pharmacists and the public.
“[Lack of] access to information and information dissemination is a barrier we are trying to break,” said Ji.
Information provided on their website assists individuals to better afford the prescriptions they need. Topics such as overmedication, overuse of antibiotics, comparisons of generic vs. brand-name drugs and B.C. PharmaCare are addressed in detail to give students a more solid foundation.
The biggest concern is still cost of medication.
At advocacy events held at the SUB and the pharmacy atrium between January 10–20, members found upon discussions with students that their medication can often be expensive and unaffordable. This is particularly true in and around a campus environment.
Furthermore, students are often unaware of the resources available to them, and the organization gathered that one in 10 people struggle to access affordable medicines or lack knowledge of campus and B.C. health care coverage.
The project is ongoing, and as for its future, Ji has high hopes. The team hopes to exhibit a series of over 100 photographs at the AMS Art Gallery next semester, for promotion, advocacy and outreach.
Take a look at the website to learn more.
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