World Pharmacists Day (WPD) is annually observed across the globe on 25th September to recognise and celebrate pharmacists’ crucial role as drug information specialists and accessible healthcare providers, in building healthier communities worldwide.
- WPD also marks the anniversary of the inception of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the global body for pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and pharmaceutical education, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) partner.
Theme:
i.The theme of WPD 2024 is “Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs.”
ii.The WPD campaign is annually led by the FIP, with the theme chosen by the FIP Bureau.
iii.The 2024 theme emphasises the growing recognition of pharmacists as key members of the healthcare team, capable of contributing significantly to various aspects of patient management and health promotion.
Significance:
i.WPD promotes awareness of the role of pharmacists in ensuring medication safety, improving health, and, most importantly, providing patient care.
ii.WPD aims to boost the field’s recognition and acknowledge the significant contributions made by pharmacy professionals in enhancing global health results.
Background:
i.World Pharmacists Day was proposed in 2009 by the Turkish Pharmacists Association (TPA) during the Council meeting at the FIP Congress in Istanbul, Türkiye.
ii.The Council unanimously accepted the proposal to celebrate World Pharmacists Day annually on 25th September.
iii.The first-ever WPD was observed on 25th September 2010.
- This initiative supports FIP’s strategic goal to advance pharmacy practice worldwide by increasing community engagement and raising awareness of the pharmacist’s role in healthcare.
Why 25 September?
25 September was chosen to commemorate the establishment of FIP on 25th September 1912. FIP has been in official relations with the WHO since 1948 and is recognised as the leader of the pharmacy at a global level.
Pharmacists and their roles:
i.Molecules transform into effective medicines when pharmaceutical expertise is applied. This expertise ensures safety and efficacy.
ii.Pharmacists are highly skilled medication experts who play a key role in the healthcare system.
iii.Pharmacists play a critical role in optimising medicine use, promoting responsible healthcare practices, and addressing the health needs of our populations
2024 Events:
i.On 24 September 2024, on the eve of WPD 2024, a high-level symposium on the role of pharmacists in healthcare delivery was jointly organised by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the FIP in Copenhagen, Denmark.
ii.The WHO Regional Office for Europe also launched its new report “Community Pharmacy Regulatory and Practice Models in Eastern Europe and Central Asia”.
- This report presents the results of surveys conducted in 10 central Asian and eastern European countries of the WHO European Region that aimed to increase understanding of the regulation and operation of community pharmacies.
Event in India:
The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), a statuary body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoH&FW), Government of India (GoI) celebrated WPD 2024 by organising various awareness programs on generic medicines, screening camps, patient counseling, competitions, etc.
Points to Note:
i.Generic Medicines (GMs) are pharmaceutical products that are bioequivalent to branded ones in dosage, strength, safety, and effectiveness.
- They offer affordable access to essential medications for patients worldwide, with prices 20%-90% lower than branded drugs.
ii.In India, initiatives like the “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP)” have boosted the use of GMs.
iii.The PCI took the initiative to enroll the pharmacists under the scheme of the “Pharmaceuticals & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI)” for the opening of “Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAKs)” across India.
iv.Pharmacists ensure drug quality by adhering to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), safeguarding public health.
About the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP):
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)- Dr Catherine Duggan
Headquarters– The Hague, Netherlands
Established– 1912
