Celebrating World Pharmacist Day 2023: Strengthening Global Health Through Pharmacy

On September 25th each year, the world comes together to commemorate World Pharmacist Day , a day dedicated to honouring pharmacists for their invaluable contributions to global health. This celebration serves as a platform to recognise the vital role of pharmacists and pharmacy professionals in enhancing healthcare systems worldwide. In 2023, the theme of World Pharmacist Day is "Pharmacy strengthening health systems."

World Pharmacist Day 2023: Honouring Healthcare Heroes
World Pharmacist Day is a special occasion to express gratitude and appreciation to pharmacists and pharmacy professionals for their unwavering commitment to improving global health. It is a day to acknowledge their pivotal role in healthcare and celebrate their contributions. Furthermore, it encourages initiatives that emphasise the significance of pharmacy professionals in helping patients manage their ongoing medical needs, underlining the priceless service they provide to healthcare systems globally.

The Theme: Pharmacy Strengthening Health Systems
The theme chosen for World Pharmacist Day 2023, "Pharmacy strengthening health systems," underscores the critical importance of pharmacists and pharmacy professionals in supporting and enhancing healthcare systems worldwide. It highlights the intricate connection between pharmacy services and the broader health systems, showcasing their role in improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. This theme emphasises how pharmacy is a linchpin in maintaining and fortifying healthcare systems for the benefit of individuals and communities.

The Historical Origin: A Tribute to Pharmacists
World Pharmacist Day traces its roots back to the 2009 International Pharmaceutical Federation ( FIP ) Congress in Istanbul, Turkey. It was during this event that the idea of a global pharmacist day was conceived. The FIP Council , consisting of pharmacy leaders from around the world, endorsed September 25th as World Pharmacist Day, providing the pharmaceutical profession with a global platform to celebrate pharmacists and address critical healthcare issues. Since then, World Pharmacist Day has been observed annually, featuring a different pharmacy-related theme each year.

Significance and Impact:
World Pharmacist Day holds immense significance as it offers a worldwide platform for acknowledging and appreciating the indispensable contributions made by pharmacists and pharmacy professionals to healthcare and society as a whole. This annual celebration is meaningful for various reasons:

• Acknowledging Healthcare Heroes: It pays tribute to the unsung heroes of healthcare—pharmacists—who optimise the benefits of medicines.
• Raising Awareness: It raises awareness about the crucial role of pharmacists in healthcare delivery and patient well-being.
• Promoting Public Health : By emphasising the importance of pharmacists in healthcare systems, it promotes public health and patient safety.
• Global Collaboration: It fosters collaboration among pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, educators, and organisations worldwide.
• Advancing the Profession: World Pharmacist Day contributes to the advancement and recognition of the pharmacy profession on a global scale.
• Educational Outreach: It provides opportunities for educational outreach and awareness campaigns.
• Highlighting Themes: Each year's theme sheds light on specific aspects of pharmacy's impact on healthcare.
• Inspiring Future Generations : It inspires the next generation of pharmacists to continue making a difference in healthcare.

The Role of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP):
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) serves as the global authority on pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and pharmaceutical education. Representing over four million professionals, including pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, and educators, FIP's network spans 152 national organisations, academic institutions, and individual members. FIP plays a pivotal role in promoting the pharmacy field, leading the global pharmacy community, and recognising the profound impact of pharmacists on global health.

Challenges and the Way Forward:
In the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals , pharmacists have played a significant role in addressing both non-communicable and communicable diseases. However, the COVID-19 pandemic presented formidable challenges. FIP President Dominique Jordan underscores the need for a proper rebuilding effort. The message for World Pharmacist Day 2023 is clear: "Empower pharmacies to do more."