World Pharmacists Day is being marked today, Friday (September 25), in recognition of pharmacists’ contribution to the safe and correct use of medicines, disease prevention and public health protection.
This year’s theme is “Empowering pharmacists for a healthy future”, with an emphasis on ensuring pharmacists’ skills, recognition and proper support within health systems to keep pace with changing health needs.
World Pharmacists Day is marked every year on September 25, the day the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) was founded in 1912. In 2009, the FIP council decided to mark September 25 as World Pharmacists Day.
Since 2020, a World Pharmacy Week has also been held around September 25, highlighting the contribution of pharmaceutical scientists, pharmacy technicians and others in the sector alongside pharmacists. Pharmacists’ key responsibilities in health care include ensuring the responsible use of antibiotics, monitoring the side effects of medicines and taking part in public health programmes. They also explain to patients how to use medicines, give health advice and help raise awareness of disease prevention.
The FIP says health care needs around the world are changing because of population change, the spread of non-communicable diseases, rapid technological change and climate-related challenges, and that pharmacists need to be involved more effectively in health systems. Their work is not limited to dispensing medicines: they advise on correct use, help prevent disease, provide health information, carry out health checks, raise public awareness and research new medicines.
FIP president Paul Sinclair said it is essential to give pharmacists the skills, recognition and working conditions they need to meet changing health needs. If they are given the chance to work to the full extent of their knowledge and skills, health systems can become more accessible, effective and sustainable, he said.
To mark the day, calls have been made for supportive policies for pharmacists, investment in their education and training, and their more effective involvement in health systems.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report