The Hague • 23 May 2024
“Think Health, Think Pharmacy” is a new global campaign launched today by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). It aims to raise awareness of pharmacies as places of primary health care provision, and to advocate for pharmacists as healthcare professionals, primarily in the minds of policymakers but also of several other target groups.
Despite substantial and recent advancements in pharmacy practice, too many people still perceive pharmacies as commercial enterprises rather than places of healthcare provision. This is an obstacle to pharmacists providing the services that they are trained to provide and that our health systems and communities desperately need, the federation says.
“Our pharmacy profession proved its ability and dedication to the health of their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and now is the time to make a bigger push for more professional recognition and the additional pharmacy services that go with that. This global campaign, led by FIP and powered by data and intelligence from the FIP Global Pharmaceutical Observatory, is a key strategy to advocate for our members and the wider profession around the world,” said Mr Paul Sinclair, president, FIP.
FIP’s “Think Health, Think Pharmacy” will be a long-running campaign, sustained through regular releases of new campaign materials and other activities. More information and the first set of campaign assets are now available on the campaign webpage. This includes a factsheet that the FIP delegation at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, next week will be using to advocate for pharmacy, and a supporting statement from the FIP Bureau, published today. Universal recognition of the pharmacy profession’s unique place in primary health care would lead to enhanced patient care, improved access to health services, better collaboration with other health professions, reduced healthcare costs, professional growth, and new empowering legislation and policies, the Bureau says.
“It is through the pharmacy profession that much progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 3 — good health and well-being for all — will be made. I encourage colleagues around the world to join this important campaign today and continue to support it over the coming months,” Mr Sinclair said.
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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 153 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