World Pharmacists Day 2024: Theme and WHO take for this Day

World Pharmacist Day is celebrated on 25 September every year. This day is celebrated in recognition of the key role pharmacists play in the healthcare system. Pharmacists are the unsung heroes of the healthcare industry as they provide a critical service that ensures the safe and effective use of medicines.

In addition to delivering prescription medications, pharmacists advise healthcare professionals on drug interactions, teach patients how to take medications properly, and serve as the first point of contact for anyone seeking health-related information. Their work is essential to patient care, promoting health, and preventing disease.

World Pharmacist Day: History

The history of World Pharmacists Day dates back to 2009 when it was created by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the global federation of national organisations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. The date of 25 September was chosen to mark the anniversary of the founding of FIP in 1912.

FIP mentioned: “World Pharmacists Day (September 25) is the anniversary of the founding of FIP in 1912, which was adopted by the FIP Council in 2009. Therefore, World Pharmacists Day activities are led by FIP every year, with the theme chosen by the FIP Presidency.”

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World Pharmacist Day 2024: Theme

The theme for World Pharmacists Day 2024 is “Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs”. The theme highlights the important role pharmacists play in addressing global health challenges, from ensuring access to medicines to providing health education and support.

It reflects pharmacists’ growing responsibility in responding to global health needs, whether through chronic disease management, vaccination programs, or ensuring medication safety for diverse populations.

FIP mentioned: “Pharmacists are integral members of the healthcare system and play a vital role in meeting medical needs. First and foremost, they ensure that essential medicines are available and used optimally, but they also use their expertise to make a significant contribution to patient care and public health. In many places, pharmacists are the first point of contact for medical advice and primary health care, especially in resource-limited settings.”

World Pharmacist Day 2024: WHO’s perspective

In celebration of World Pharmacist Day 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe is recognizing the important contribution of pharmacists to global health. Around this international day, WHO/Europe will host a High-Level Policy Symposium on Pharmaceutical Care and Pharmaceutical Services on 24 September 2024. The symposium will bring together healthcare leaders, policymakers and pharmaceutical professionals to discuss the evolving role of pharmaceutical care in health systems.

One of the main highlights is the release of a new WHO report on community pharmacy regulation and practice patterns in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

This report will delve into the various regulatory frameworks and practice models of community pharmacies in these regions, providing a comprehensive understanding of how pharmacists contribute to health services in different settings.

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