WORLD PHARMACISTS DAY ,2024

A pharmacist is a health care professional specializing in the usage and administration of medication. They dispense prescriptions to patients upon receiving a physician's orders. Pharmacists are experts on how drugs work and interact with the body so that patients who take them achieve the best possible results.

Collectively, the countries represent around 2.5 million pharmacists and 1.4 million pharmacy technicians.

World Pharmacists Day (25 September) marks the anniversary of the inception of FIP in 1912 and was adopted by the FIP Council in 2009. As such, the World Pharmacists Day campaign is led by FIP every year, with the theme chosen by the FIP Bureau.

the International Pharmaceutical Federation , FIP, the leader of pharmacy at a global level, has existed for over a century, recognising the need to work across borders in order to improve health. The health challenges our world faces are increasingly international and multidimensional, and the importance of ensuring good health and strong, sustainable health systems in every country, eliminating health inequities, was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs

the World Pharmacist Day Theme is “Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs”. which serves as a platform for the profession to celebrate its contributions to enhancing global health and emphasise the ability to further improve global health outcomes

The Role of Pharmacists in India.

In a vast country like India, where the healthcare system faces significant challenges related to accessibility and affordability, pharmacists are often the first point of contact in healthcare. India is one of the largest producers and consumers of pharmaceuticals, with pharmacists being critical in ensuring the availability of high-quality medicines to millions.

Medication management: Pharmacists dispense medications based on prescriptions, and ensure that the medications are safe for patients. They also advise patients on how to use their medications, including proper storage and side effects

Patient care: Pharmacists work with patients to help them manage their health, including providing general health advice and administering vaccinations.

Public health: Pharmacists help prevent the misuse of medications and promote public health through education programs. They also participate in substance abuse education and prevention programs.

Collaboration: Pharmacists work with other healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, to recommend the best treatments for patients.

Contribution Of India In Global World

The Indian pharmaceutical industry is a global leader in the production of generic drugs and vaccines, and is known for its low prices and high quality. Here are some of the key features of the Indian pharmaceutical industry

In India, till April 2022 , Total 16,86,342 Pharmacists have been registered with PCI Pharmacy Council of India . Among these, maximum pharmacists are registered from the Maharashtra (20%).

India's pharmaceutical industry is expected to reach $130 billion by 2030, from an estimated $42 billion in 2021.

India exports drugs to over 200 countries, including the US, Europe, Japan, and Australia.

India is the world's largest supplier of generic drugs, accounting for 20% of the global supply by volume.

India is a leading supplier of vaccines, accounting for around 60% of global demand.

Indian pharmaceuticals are known for their low prices.

India has innovative scientific manpower and world-class national laboratories.

India is working to improve its supply chain visibility through digitalization and the use of global standards.

Challenges

Poor professional management: Clinical pharmacists may experience poor professional management

Lack of awareness: The PharmD degree is not well known among employers, healthcare professionals, and the public. This can lead to skepticism and underestimation of PharmD skills and knowledge.

Limited employment opportunities: There are limited employment opportunities for pharmacists.

Lack of training: Pharmacists may lack training in life-saving skills and dosage forms. They may also lack exposure to the use of simple devices.

Payment issues: After completing their PharmD or M. Pharm, quality students may prefer industrial jobs due to higher pay. This can lead to poorer students entering academia.

Conclusion

On World Pharmacist Day 2024, we celebrate not only the essential services provided by pharmacists globally but also acknowledge the Indian pharmacy industry’s unparalleled contributions to global health. Pharmacists in India are at the heart of this success, ensuring the safe and effective use of medications while supporting the broader goals of public health and healthcare accessibility. As India continues to innovate in pharmaceuticals, the role of pharmacists will only become more integral to health systems worldwide.