Legislative support from member states is needed to enable pharmacists to take fuller responsibility for ensuring that when a patient uses a medicine, it will not cause harm, FIP told ministers today. In a statement at the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, FIP explained to ministers that granting pharmacists access to patients’ medication histories would enhance responsibility and enhance patient safety.

“Pharmacists are the experts in medicines. We can ensure safety throughout the medication process, from the moment a medicine reaches the patient, through administration, treatment monitoring and follow up, to safe disposal,” said FIP’s YPG project coordinator Sherly Meilianti.

Ms Meilianti told the assembly that, in many countries, pharmacists provide medication reconciliation services that optimise medication-related care, while minimising risks and preventing errors.

FIP is working with the WHO and healthcare professional organisations on the implementation of the 3^rd Global Patient Safety Challenge. See the full statement here.

FIP is making a number of statements during the 72^nd World Health Assembly this week:

• Universal health coverage ― Primary health care towards universal health coverage - Agenda item 11.5.1
• Prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases - Agenda item 11.8
• Member State mechanism on substandard and falsified medical products supported by Fight the Fakes - Agenda item 12.2
• Human resources for health ― Global Strategy on human resources for health: workforce 2030 on behalf of the World Health Professions Alliance - Agenda item 12.3
• Patient Safety ― Global action on patient safety - Agenda item 12.5
• Strengthening synergies between the World Health Assembly and the Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control supported by the International Pharmaceutical Students’ Federation (IPSF) Agenda item 21.1