The Hague • 18 September 2020
Pharmacist remuneration models in ever-evolving healthcare settings must be examined if global health is to be supported, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) said today in a new policy statement on the sustainability of pharmacist-delivered professional services.
“A common concern among pharmacy associations worldwide is the long-term financial viability of professional services delivered by pharmacists. These concerns are first and foremost triggered by the impacts of continued price and margin cuts in dispensing of medicines and the non-allocation of funding in many settings for extended professional services and social care,” explains Mr Paul Sinclair, chair of FIP’s Board of Pharmaceutical Practice.
In the policy statement, adopted by FIP’s 151 national member organisations across 108 countries and territories this week, FIP recommends that pharmacy services, aligned with the general objectives of a country’s health system, should have their own definitions, goals, procedures and documentation systems so as to allow for their evaluation and remuneration, guaranteeing their universality, continuity and sustainability.
The statement covers remuneration of professional services delivered by pharmacists in any setting, including in multidisciplinary healthcare teams. In particular, it urges pharmacists to provide data to inform evidence-based value for current and emerging pharmacist-led professional services that optimise patients’ use of medicines.
“A successful remuneration model is one that promotes sustainable delivery of professional services. These should be integrated into broader health system strategies and, therefore, funding plans.
COVID-19 has proven how important pharmacy is to health care. Governments and policymakers must acknowledge that the viability of the pharmacy profession is an issue for the broader health sector and society as a whole,” Mr Sinclair added.
Notes for editors
Links The full FIP Statement of Policy can be found here.
Images A picture of Paul Sinclair is available here.
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 146 member organisations, it represents over four million practitioners and scientists around the world. www.fip.org
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