Every year on September 25th, the world
comes together to celebrate World Pharmacists Day, an event dedicated to
recognizing the vital role pharmacists play in global healthcare. Established
in 2009 by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) during its council
meeting in Istanbul, World Pharmacists Day encourages activities that highlight
the importance of pharmacists in improving health outcomes. It serves as a
platform to advocate for the profession and emphasize how pharmacists
contribute to making healthcare more accessible, effective, and safe for people
around the world.
Pharmacists are integral to ensuring that
people get the most out of their medications. Their extensive knowledge and
expertise enable them to provide more than just access to medicines—they offer
guidance on proper medication use, ensuring patient safety, and contributing to
better public health outcomes. From dispensing medication to providing
consultations, pharmacists work tirelessly to enhance the medical world. Their
expertise spans across patient care, medication safety, and health education,
all of which are essential to building healthier communities.
In recognition of the expansive role
pharmacists play, the FIP extended the celebration in 2020 by launching World
Pharmacy Week, which further showcases the diverse contributions of the
pharmacy profession.
Why Is World Pharmacists Day Celebrated on
September 25?
The date of September 25 was chosen by
Turkish members of FIP as it marks the establishment of the FIP in 1912. Since
then, this day has become a symbol of the profession's rich history, growth,
and commitment to health worldwide.
What Is FIP?
The International Pharmaceutical
Federation (FIP) is the global body representing the fields of pharmacy,
pharmaceutical sciences, and pharmaceutical education. As the founder of World
Pharmacists Day, FIP plays a key role in advocating for the pharmacy profession
worldwide. With 144 national organizations, academic institutional members, and
millions of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists represented, FIP is at
the forefront of advancing the profession globally. Based in the Netherlands,
this non-governmental organization (NGO) works extensively through partnerships
and networks to develop the pharmacy workforce, enhance healthcare systems, and
innovate scientific practices to meet the world’s evolving health needs.
World Pharmacists Day 2024
This year’s World Pharmacists Day,
celebrated on September 25, 2024, carries the theme “Pharmacists: Meeting
Global Health Needs”. This theme underscores the essential role pharmacists
play in addressing health challenges worldwide. From providing medication
management and patient education to tackling public health issues like
antimicrobial resistance and healthcare access disparities, pharmacists are key
contributors to global health.
The global health landscape is becoming
more complex, interconnected, and urgent. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed
significant gaps in healthcare systems, leading to new strategies and policies
aimed at enhancing global health resilience. Pharmacists are at the center of
these efforts, whether it’s by improving access to healthcare, contributing to
primary care, or supporting crisis response initiatives. The theme for this
year is a powerful reminder of how pharmacists meet not only the immediate
needs of their communities but also contribute to long-term global health
strategies aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs). These strategies focus on strengthening healthcare systems, preventing
health risks, and preparing for future health crises.
Why This Celebration Matters?
World Pharmacists Day serves as an
important opportunity to remind decision-makers, healthcare professionals, and
the public about the significance of the pharmacy profession. In many
communities, pharmacists are often the first point of contact for healthcare
advice, offering services that range from medication counseling to managing
chronic diseases. Their accessibility, expertise, and trusted role in
communities make them indispensable in promoting health equity and access to
quality healthcare.
As we celebrate World Pharmacists Day
2024, we honor the dedication, hard work, and impact of pharmacists everywhere.
They are more than just medication experts- they are healthcare providers,
educators, and advocates who play a crucial role in building healthier
societies. This day is not just a celebration of their past achievements, but
also a call to action for their continued contribution to a healthier, more
sustainable future for all.
This article is taken from the Galen Gazette, September 2024, Issue No. 05. The author, Md. Jahid Hassan, is an eighth-semester pharmacy student at Comilla University.
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