› World Pharmacists Day 2022

Sunday 25 September is World Pharmacists Day and the theme for this year’s event is ‘Pharmacy united in action for a healthier world’.

The aim is to showcase the positive impact that pharmacies and pharmacists have on general health around the world and to further strengthen solidarity among the profession. FIP (the International Pharmaceutical Federation) is the global body that leads the annual World Pharmacists Day campaign, representing pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences and pharmaceutical education. To be ‘united in action for a healthier world’ FIP and pharmacists strive to contribute to improved outcomes for people dealing with various illnesses and health issues regardless of disparities that may exist.

Here in Aotearoa New Zealand, the local pharmacy has been a cornerstone of our healthcare system since the establishment of the Pharmacy Act in 1880. The role of the pharmacist has greatly evolved and expanded since. More recently, pharmacies have been integral to our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering vaccination services, ensuring safe supply of COVID-19 treatment medication, the distribution of rapid antigen tests (RATs) and masks, and invaluable advice and assistance for those recovering from the virus. With extraordinary pressure on hospitals, urgent care and general practices in 2022, pharmacy teams have tirelessly supported their consumers and helped ease demand on other health services. Dispensing prescriptions and over the counter medications, providing medicines information, checking drug interactions and offering practical advice, often seven-days-a-week; pharmacists are trusted and highly respected experts in their communities and hospitals. All actions which contribute to healthier outcomes for the people of New Zealand.