FIP chief urges pharmacies to embrace change

Key Summary

• FIP President Paul Sinclair urged pharmacists to embrace change at the 83rd World Congress in Copenhagen
• Key achievements: 14 new development programmes, 65+ global events, and the “Think Health, Think Pharmacy” campaign
• The congress hosts 3,286 delegates from 122 countries until September 3

International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) president Paul Sinclair AM has said, “The global pharmacy field is rapidly evolving with technology, changing healthcare, and growing recognition of pharmacists’ key role in patient-centred universal health coverage.”

While opening the 83rd FIP World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Copenhagen on Sunday (31), he said, “The past year, like the one before, was packed with activities, initiatives, deliverables and connections with all of you. Something I value tremendously. I am proud to stand in front of you today, confident in the work that FIP has delivered, adding value to health care transformation, and advocating for pharmacists and pharmacies globally.

The theme for this year is “Pharmacy forward: Performance, Collaboration, and Health Transformation”.

Highlighting the achievements since September 2024, he said that 14 new professional development programmes earned the FIP Seal this year and FIP was present at over 65 global events. Sinclair said last year FIP launched the global ‘Think Health, Think Pharmacy’ campaign to highlight pharmacies as an underused resource in primary care. “Our shared message is clear: we want everyone -and policymakers - to include pharmacy when thinking about health and universal coverage.” He also urged pharmacists to embrace change. “The global pharmacy field is rapidly evolving with technology, changing healthcare, and growing recognition of pharmacists’ key role in patient-centred universal health coverage… Now is the time for pharmacists to embrace these opportunities,” he added.

The event will conclude on September 3 and around 3,286 pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacy educators from 122 countries are taking part.