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FIP World Pharmacists Day theme will highlight profession’s contribution to strengthening healthcare systems

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The Hague • 24 March 2023

Pharmacy: Strengthening health systems” will be the theme of World Pharmacists Day on 25 September, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) announced today.

At a time when health systems around the world are recovering from the COVID-19 crisis and general consensus is that urgent action is needed if health services are to meet future needs, FIP’s 2023 World Pharmacists Day campaign presents opportunities to increase awareness of pharmacists as an intelligent solution.

“The COVID pandemic has given us undeniable evidence of the capabilities of our profession to support health systems. To cite just one example, during the pandemic pharmacy teams in the US provided over 350 million clinical interventions in the form of COVID testing, vaccination, treatment and in-patient care.1 Without our actions, there would have been many more deaths,” said FIP president Mr Dominique Jordan.

Many international agencies and think tanks have defined a well-functioning health system as having: an accessible and reliable supply of medicines and technologies; trained and motivated healthcare workers; good infrastructure (including improved governance); evidence-based policies; strong plans; and adequate funding. “Beyond doubt, pharmacy is essential for access to health, a safe supply chain and the responsible use of medicines. FIP supports the profession in this key role, but we are also transforming practice, science, and education and workforce with the FIP Development Goals and aligned resources, supporting national organisations with global policy statements, and calling on governments for increased funding for health and better environments for healthcare professionals,” Mr Jordan said.

Community pharmacy strengthens healthcare through providing advice, information and education, triage, screening/testing and referral, administering vaccinations, prescribing and reducing polymedication, and follow up. However, “there’s a wide range of other needs that can be met by community pharmacists, which would relieve pressure on and save time for other areas of the health system. As the experts on medicines, more pharmacists could be allowed to prescribe and initiate medication and we have the skills to take on the management of patients with long-term conditions such as diabetes. Things are moving. For example, in the UK, the National Health Service is aiming for all newly registered pharmacists to be able to independently prescribe by 2026. But we need to see progress in all countries and territories if we are to achieve universal health coverage. Our message on World Pharmacists Day is clear: Let pharmacies do more,” Mr Jordan said.
He added: “The FIP World Pharmacists Day campaign is an opportunity for pharmacy to celebrate its achievements in supporting our societies, but also to advocate its value and further potential in improving health. I encourage colleagues across the globe to join me in this year’s campaign.”
More information and campaign materials are available on FIP’s World Pharmacists Day webpage: www.fip.org/world-pharmacists-day.

Reference

  1. Grabenstein J.D. Essential services: Quantifying the contributions of America’s pharmacists in COVID-19 clinical interventions. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 2022. (Accessed 20 March 2023) DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japh.2022.08.010

Notes for editors

Official logo (other languages available at www.fip.org/world-pharmacists-day)

About World Pharmacists Day
World Pharmacists Day was adopted by the FIP Council at the 2009 World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Istanbul, Turkey. 25 September was chosen because it is the date that FIP came into existence in 1912. Each year, the theme is decided by the FIP Bureau. The purpose of FIP World Pharmacists Day is to encourage activities that promote and advocate the role of the pharmacist in improving health in every corner of the world. The day closes FIP’s World Pharmacy Week (19-25 September).

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Interviews/articles/blogs
FIP is happy to offer interviews, articles or blogs about World Pharmacists Day.

ABOUT FIP
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, and is in official relations with the World Health Organization. Through our 152 member organisations, we represent over four million practitioners and scientists around the world. Our vision is a world where everyone benefits from access to safe, effective, quality and affordable medicines and pharmaceutical care. www.fip.org

PRESS CONTACT
Lin-Nam Wang, head of communications & advocacy
International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
Email linnam@fip.org
Tel +31 70 302 1987

Last update 5 July 2018

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