In a world facing complex challenges, pharmacy without the pharmacist is a risk to health. From rising healthcare costs to antimicrobial resistance, pharmacists are on the frontlines, ensuring quality and safety. Yet, financial pressures in some regions have led to the substitution of trained pharmacists with unqualified workers, a cost-cutting measure that can undermine care and put patients at risk.
Pharmacists carry out a wide range of essential actions that directly impact patient safety and community health. They ensure the safe and effective use of medicines, guiding patients on proper dosages, interactions, and side effects. Beyond dispensing, pharmacists play a key role in preventive care, administering vaccinations, screening for chronic conditions, and supporting smoking cessation or lifestyle changes. They contribute to public health campaigns, raising awareness about issues such as antibiotic resistance and medication adherence. In many communities, pharmacists are often the first and most accessible point of care, offering trusted advice and bridging gaps in healthcare access.
Every year on September 25th, countries across the globe come together to celebrate World Pharmacists Day, an occasion dedicated to highlighting the vital role pharmacists play in health systems and patient care. First established in 2009 by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the date marks the anniversary of FIP’s founding in 1912. This year’s theme, “Think Health, Think Pharmacist,” emphasizes the essential contribution of pharmacists in improving global health outcomes. Pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare professionals, serving as trusted advisors on medication safety, disease prevention, and health promotion. From ensuring the effective use of medicines to delivering vaccinations and supporting public health campaigns, their expertise strengthens health systems and advances universal health coverage.
World Pharmacists Day is more than just a celebration; it is a call to action. It reminds policymakers that investing in qualified pharmacists is not only smart spending but also essential for safeguarding public health.
Assistant Lecturer at the University of the Basque Country