The Hague • 17 December 2024
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Global Competency Framework (GbCF, 2020, version 2) has been adapted specifically for pharmacists in the South East Asian region and is published today.
The FIP GbCF contains a set of competencies and core behavioural statements that are intended to be generally applicable to the global pharmacy workforce, supporting the development of foundation and early-career pharmacists.
The work to adapt the framework to regional needs was done by the FIP UNESCO-UNITWIN Centre for Excellence in South East Asia. “As the demand for healthcare services continues to rise, the role of pharmacists has evolved, requiring a focus on both pharmaceutical sciences and patient-centred care. This shift underscores the urgency for regions like the South East Asia region to transform pharmaceutical education to better align with global standards and meet local healthcare needs. The establishment of a validated adapted framework represents a strategic step toward creating a competent workforce capable of addressing the diverse challenges in this culturally rich region. This adapted framework is set to be a transformative resource, enabling the development of a progressive role for pharmacists across the region,” said Dr Suma Latha, representative of the FIP South East Asian Regional Pharmaceutical Forum.
The framework used the FIP GbCF as a mapping tool and was adapted with data gathered from a survey to establish consensus on the relevance of competencies and behavioural statements to the region. Representatives from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand contributed to the development.
The competencies and behaviours in the adapted framework are grouped into four categories of: Pharmaceutical public health, pharmaceutical care, organisation and management, and professional/personal. The document also includes recommendations for implementation and future development. “Evidence shows that use of competency frameworks could aid in achieving professional performance development and ensuring a consistent quality pharmacy education. Translating the FIP GbCF into relevant regional languages was the first step in adapting it to regional contexts. This adaptation enables the effective transformation of educational programmes to meet healthcare system needs and improve the quality of pharmacy practice in the region,” said Prof. Rajani Shakya, co-chair of the FIP UNESCO-UNITWIN Centre for Excellence in South East Asia.
Access the framework here.
Notes for editors
About FIP The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global federation of national associations of pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacy educators, and is in official relations with the World Health Organization. Through its 158 member organisations, it represents over four million practitioners and scientists around the world. www.fip.org
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