World Pharmacists Day is observed on September 25 every year. This day is celebrated to acknowledge the critical role that pharmacists play in the healthcare system. Pharmacists are known to be the unsung heroes of the healthcare industry, as they offer crucial services that guarantee the safe and efficient use of pharmaceuticals.
Apart from providing prescription medicines, pharmacists advise medical experts on drug interactions, teach patients how to take medications correctly, and act as the first point of contact for anybody looking for health-related information. Their job is essential to patient care, health promotion, and illness prevention.
World Pharmacists Day: History
The history of World Pharmacists Day traces back to 2009, when it was established by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the global federation of national organisations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. The decision to celebrate World Pharmacists Day on September 25 was chosen to mark the anniversary of the founding of FIP in 1912.
The FIP mentions: “World Pharmacists Day (25 September) marks the anniversary of the inception of FIP in 1912 and was adopted by the FIP Council in 2009. As such, the World Pharmacists Day campaign is led by FIP every year, with the theme chosen by the FIP Bureau.”
World Pharmacists Day 2024: Theme
The theme for World Pharmacists Day 2024 is "Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs". This theme underscores the vital role pharmacists play in addressing global health challenges, from ensuring access to medications to providing health education and support.
It reflects the growing responsibilities of pharmacists in responding to worldwide health needs, whether through chronic disease management, vaccination initiatives, or ensuring medication safety across diverse populations.
The FIP mentions: “Pharmacists serve as integral members of healthcare systems, playing a vital role in meeting health needs. First and foremost, they ensure access to essential medicines and their optimal use, but they also use their expertise to contribute significantly to patient care and public health. In many places, pharmacists are the first point of contact for health advice and primary health care, especially in resource-limited settings.”
World Pharmacists Day 2024: WHO’s Take
In celebration of World Pharmacists Day 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe is taking an active role in recognizing the critical contributions of pharmacists to global health. Around this international day, WHO/Europe will host a High-level Policy Symposium on Pharmacy Care and Pharmaceutical Services on 24 September 2024. This symposium will bring together healthcare leaders, policymakers, and pharmaceutical professionals to discuss the evolving role of pharmacy care in health systems.
One of the key highlights will be the launch of a new WHO report on the Community Pharmacy regulatory and practice models in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
This report will provide insights into the various regulatory frameworks and practice models shaping community pharmacies in these regions, offering a comprehensive understanding of how pharmacists contribute to health services in diverse settings.
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