What do we celebrate on World Pharmacists Day?
Every September 25, institutions around the world join this celebration, promoted by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), to convey the role of the pharmacist as an expert on medicines in all professional areas.
This year, the theme “Transforming Global Health” has been chosen to emphasize the importance of pharmacists in health promotion and disease prevention, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hard at work
Pharmacists have been key to managing and minimizing the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through their public-facing work and professional skills. Their most valuable contributions during this time include…
- Promotion of truthful information to patients.
- Patient awareness of the importance of preventive measures.
- Contribution to access to medicines for the entire population, especially the most vulnerable groups.
- Beginning of the search for an effective treatment against the virus.
- Implementation of technological solutions to reduce travel and risk of contagion.
Therefore, pharmacists have developed a series of actions to provide quality healthcare during the COVID-19 crisis and reduce the risk of contagion.
Over 52,000 pharmacists have manned the country’s 22,000-plus pharmacies during the pandemic, guaranteeing access to medication for the entire population.
Thanks to their commitment to the most vulnerable groups and engagement in different health campaigns, pharmacists have also stepped up their social function during the pandemic.
The Pharmacy Challenge Going Forward
World Pharmacists Day also aims to highlight the greater role pharmacists will play going forward, as indicated by the head of the General Board of Pharmacists’ Associations, Jesús Aguilar: “When trends like aging pick up speed, there will be a greater need for health professionals. Pharmacists are perfectly positioned to step into the breach in the society’s new health and healthcare ecosystems”.