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.
'Celebrate pharmacists day every day'
National Pharmacy Association CEO Henry Gregg said: “We want the world to celebrate pharmacists every day, not just today.”
"We’re proud to celebrate not only our incredible members, but pharmacists, pharmacy teams and the next generation of pharmacy professionals around the world. Thank you for the vital role you play every day in supporting patients, strengthening communities and delivering better health services in your neighbourhoods."
NPA donation to Pharmacist Support
On World Pharmacists Day, the National Pharmacy Association announced its support for the independent charity, Pharmacist Support, with a donation of £1 per NPA member pharmacy to help fund the charity’s activities.
Pharmacist Support provides a range of free and confidential support to those working and studying in pharmacy, covering mental health and wellbeing, financial health, workplace wellbeing and studying and training.
The charity’s latest Workforce Wellbeing survey (2024) suggested that many people in the pharmacy profession are at high risk of burnout (87% of respondents), while 61% of survey respondents had considered leaving their current role or leaving the pharmacy profession entirely, in the previous year.
Alongside the donation, the NPA will work with Pharmacist Support to help champion and strengthen wellbeing across the independent community pharmacy sector. This will include production of a co-branded digital information pack to help NPA members and their teams understand the free and confidential support available through the charity, with links to further wellbeing information and resources.
Danielle Hunt, Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, said: “We’re very grateful to the NPA for their commitment to supporting our pharmacy family.
“At a time when the pressures facing those working across pharmacy remain significant, supporting wellbeing has to be a shared priority. As the profession’s independent charity, we have an important role to play, but we can’t do it alone. Collaborations like this enable us to reach more people with the support, information and resources that can help them manage their wellbeing, while also generating vital funds that enable us to continue being there for our pharmacy family.
“The NPA’s £1 per member pharmacy donation is a fantastic example of how organisations across our sector can get behind the charity in a simple but meaningful way. Just as importantly, working together will help more people across independent community pharmacy understand the support available through Pharmacist Support and know that we are here for them, whether they are looking to proactively manage their wellbeing or facing a challenging time.
“By bringing together our respective reach, expertise and resources, we can make a much greater difference. Collaboration across the sector is vital if we are to drive forward the wellbeing of the profession and help ensure that no one in our pharmacy family faces challenging times without us by their side.”
NPA Chief Executive, Henry Gregg, said: “Our collaboration will increase the visibility of the support that Pharmacist Support offers to our thousands of NPA members.
“Community pharmacists and their teams are operating in an era of immense pressure – with many changes in pharmacy practice to contend with, as well as unbearable financial strain on many owners of independent pharmacies.
“The help that Pharmacist Support offers is needed now more than ever, so we are delighted to give this important charity our backing.”
