On the occasion of World Pharmacists Day on 25 September, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has this year chosen the theme, ‘Empowering pharmacists for healthier futures’.
This annual event marks the anniversary of the inception of FIP in 1912, and recognises the expertise, dedication and vital contribution of pharmacists and pharmacy teams across the world in supporting patients and communities every day.
Community Pharmacy England Chief Executive Janet Morrison said: “The growing role of community pharmacists is clear from the range of services they now provide, helping patients access more care closer to home. As pharmacy takes on more, the Government must match that ambition with sustainable funding and the right support to enable pharmacy teams to use their skills and expertise to deliver care safely and effectively.
"On World Pharmacists Day, I want to thank every pharmacist and pharmacy team member for the difference you make to patients and communities every day. We will continue to make the case for community pharmacy, so that its value is recognised at every level, from decision-makers and the NHS to the communities you serve, and that the sector gets the investment it needs to play its full part in the future of healthcare.”
In her video address, CPE Chair Dame Jenny Harries described pharmacists as an "under-recognised army of clinical professionals" and lauded them for professionalism and their contribution towards primary healthcare.
She said they have the ability to transform the primary healthcare to deliver better healthcare outcomes, more efficient health systems, and more community focussed high streets.
The FIP said in a statement: "As global health challenges intensify, FIP, the global leader in advancing pharmacy, calls on governments, policymakers, regulators, health insurers and the public to strengthen supportive policies, invest in education and ensure the full integration within health systems."
Empowering the pharmacists is not optional, but essential to building stronger, future-ready systems, it added.
FIP President Paul Sinclair, said: “Empowering pharmacists means equipping them with the competencies, recognition and working environments necessary to meet evolving health needs.
“Pharmacists are uniquely positioned at the intersection of medicines supply, scientific innovations and patient care delivery. When they are enabled to practise to the full extent of their expertise, health systems are more accessible, more responsive and more sustainable.”
Every day, pharmacists across the world address critical health needs. World Pharmacists Day is our opportunity to celebrate and make visible the profession’s contributions to better health outcomes.
It is also a time to advocate for the full integration of pharmacists into health strategies and to remind governments, institutions, and stakeholders that investing in pharmacists is investing in a healthier future for all, the FIP stated.
