For the various health issues related to the global pandemic of COVID-19 to be adequately resolved, pharmacists across the global have got crucial roles to play, the President, International Pharmaceutical Federation, FIP, Mr Dominique Jordan, has said.
Jordan made the remarks at the FIP Virtual 2020 opening ceremony on Sunday, noting that pharmacists have key obligations to patients in addressing long-standing medicine-related issues which have become more severe in the pandemic, such as misinformation, excessive information, medicines shortages and fake medicines.
He urged all pharmacists to be part of the solution to these challenges saying “Our knowledge ensures the safety of patients, not only protecting them from ill-advised actions related to COVID-19 but protecting them from harm from misuse of medicines in general”.
Jordan, who appreciated all pharmacists for their efforts in combating the dreaded virus, raised some concerns about the infection as he said it may worsen disease burden in the nearest future.
With the possibility of more infections in the future, the FIP president encouraged all pharmacists to help reduce this burden in the post-pandemic period by doing more to prevent ill health and ensure patient safety
He said: “The burden of diseases that existed before COVID-19 remains, and some are likely to worsen because of the socio-economic problems brought about by this pandemic.
“Antimicrobial resistance has not gone away. Problems in health systems have not evaporated. And new pandemics are possible.”
Jordan further noted that the pandemic had emphasised the power of sharing and solidarity and that acting as “one pharmacy”, he was confident that the profession will emerge from the pandemic “bigger and better”
Notwithstanding, he stressed the need for the profession to think ahead and complement former efforts and recognition in order to remain a relevant group post pandemic for further deliberations with governments.
The FIP represents over four million pharmacy practitioners and scientists around the world, and the Congress holds annually, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is holding the FIP Virtual 2020 themed: “Living and learning through the COVID-19 pandemic -global reflections”.
