As pharmacists across the globe commemorate World Pharmacists Day, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has emphasised the need for governments, policymakers, regulators, health insurers and the public to strengthen supportive policies, invest in education and ensure the full integration of pharmacists into health systems, noting their crucial role in building healthier societies.
The global pharmacy body particularly called for greater empowerment and recognition of pharmacists within healthcare systems, arguing that as healthcare needs continue to evolve, driven by demographic changes, non-communicable diseases, digital transformation and climate pressures, empowering pharmacists with the skills, recognition and system support they need has never been more important.
World Pharmacists Day, marked annually on September 25, was established in 2009 by the FIP Council to commemorate the anniversary of the federation’s establishment in 1912.
FIP President, Mr Paul Sinclair, in a statement made available to Pharmanews, said pharmacists’ critical contributions to disease prevention, access to care, health system resilience and sustainability are highlighted in this year’s theme, “Empowering Pharmacists for Healthier Futures.”
According to Sinclair, empowering pharmacists means equipping them with the competencies, recognition and working environments necessary to meet evolving health needs.
He said, “Pharmacists are uniquely positioned at the intersection of medicines supply, scientific innovation 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.”
FIP emphasised that empowering the profession is not optional but essential to building stronger and future-ready health systems capable of responding effectively to emerging health challenges.
The FIP President noted that pharmacists across the world address critical health needs every day, adding that World Pharmacists Day provides an opportunity to celebrate and make visible the profession’s contributions to improved health outcomes.
He said the occasion also provides an avenue to advocate for the full integration of pharmacists into national and global health strategies and to remind governments, institutions and other stakeholders of the importance of investing in the profession.
FIP further stressed that pharmacists require appropriate education, professional development, supportive policies and enabling practice environments to maximise their contributions to healthcare delivery.
The federation urged governments and other stakeholders to recognise pharmacists as essential partners in healthcare and create systems that enable them to contribute fully to prevention, access to medicines, patient care and the strengthening of health systems.
FIP said investing in pharmacists ultimately means investing in healthier communities and more resilient health systems, as the profession continues to evolve in response to changing health needs around the world.
%20has%20emphasised%20the){kind=link}