Most pharmacists agree focusing on ‘preventive care’ is crucial

Funding and collaboration challenges hindering pharmacists’ efforts to address global health needs

In preparation for World Pharmacists Day on September 25, Pharmacy Business conducted a social media poll to explore how pharmacists can improve global health outcomes.

More than 64 per cent of respondents indicated that pharmacists should prioritize promoting preventive care.

Other suggestions included advancing research and development (9 per cent), increasing interdisciplinary collaboration (14 per cent), and addressing health disparities (14 per cent).

This year’s theme for World Pharmacists Day is “Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs.”

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) emphasises that pharmacists are integral members of healthcare systems, playing a crucial role in meeting health needs in various ways daily.

Key contributions from pharmacists include:

• Ensuring access to essential medicines and their optimal use, which significantly enhances patient care and public health.
• Serving as the first point of contact for health advice and primary healthcare, particularly in resource-limited settings.
• Helping prevent diseases by administering vaccinations, conducting health screenings, educating patients, and improving health literacy.
• Supporting public health campaigns, participating in research and development of new medicines, leading pharmacovigilance efforts, and ensuring judicious use of antibiotics.
• Implementing more sustainable practices and addressing the health impacts of climate change.
• Advocating for policy changes that promote better health outcomes.
• Demonstrating their vital role in tackling global health crises, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pharmacists could make a greater impact on global health if they are provided sufficient funding Read More…..