The Hague • 2 October 2019
Governments and health insurers should include self-care as an important element of the care continuum and include its coverage as part of their health benefit offerings, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the Global Self-Care Federation (GSCF) have said in a joint Statement of Policy issued today.
The statement, on responsible and effective self-care describes the united intention of the pharmacy profession and the pharmaceutical industry to deliver solutions to facilitate people with self-care and to further develop self-care as a “core pillar of sustainable healthcare systems”. It describes responsibilities for pharmacists and for manufacturers of self-care products.
Among the 14 professional responsibilities for pharmacists are to encourage people to use health system resources responsibly and to engage in self-care where appropriate, and to document patients’ self-care conditions and products used in an appropriate patient record.
Among 10 responsibilities described for manufacturers are to provide healthcare professionals with available information and scientific evidence that will allow the provision of evidence-based guidance, and to encourage collaboration with healthcare professionals on information on product labels and package inserts.
“Pharmacists are key in ensuring the rational selection, the administration and the responsible use of self-care products. Effective care is augmented by a pharmacist’s counselling, support and follow up of an individual to ensure safety and efficacy. We are pleased to work with the GSCF in the common goal of serving the public with quality products and care,” said Dr Catherine Duggan, CEO, FIP.
“Governments and health insurers are increasingly recognizing the value of self-care for its accessibility, enabling individuals to take greater responsibility for their health, and contributing to disease prevention and positive health outcomes. GSCF is pleased to collaborate with FIP putting a spotlight on the value of self-care in the health care continuum.” Judy Stenmark, Director General, GSCF.
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The World Health Organization defines self-care as the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and to cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a healthcare provider. Self-care encompasses several issues including hygiene, nutrition, lifestyle, environmental and socio-economic factors.
Links
The full Statement of Policy can be found here.
Interviews
Catherine Duggan, Chief Executive Officer, FIP, and Judy Stenmark, Director General at GSCF are available for interview.
About FIP The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
FIP is the global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, and is in official relations with the World Health Organization. Through its 151 member organisations, it represents over four million practitioners and scientists around the world. (www.fip.org)
About GSCF The Global Self-Care Federation
The GSCF represents associations and manufacturers in the self-care industry, promoting sustainable and better global health outcomes for all. The Global Self-Care Federation is the go-to source of information for the self-care industry. We work closely with our members and relevant stakeholder groups to deliver better choice, better care and better value. By placing the benefits of self-care at the heart of what we do, promoting industry transparency, and supporting the regulated use of health data, we ensure that self-care continues to play its increasingly vital role in sustainable healthcare, worldwide. More information available at: www.selfcarefederation.org
PRESS CONTACT
FIP
Lin-Nam Wang, Head of Communications and Marketing
Email linnam@fip.org
Tel +31 70 302 1979
GSCF
Catherine Laverty, Director, Communications & Policy
Email claverty@selfcarefederation.org
Tel +41 (22) 362 5386