World Pharmacist Day 2024: On 25 September every year, World Pharmacist Day is celebrated across the world. World Pharmacist Day was an initiative of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), which was recognized in the year 2000 at a conference held in Istanbul. The purpose of celebrating this day is to draw attention to pharmacies. Apart from this, health facilities can be improved in all corners of the world. Before knowing the history and importance of World Pharmacist Day, it is important to know how the International Pharmaceutical Federation – FIP works?
Take Historical Overview on world Pharmacists Day 2024
The World Pharmacist Day was inaugurated in 2009. This date was selected to honor the establishment of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in 1912. In 2009, the FIP Council formally embraced the day to acknowledge and honor the crucial contribution of pharmacists worldwide to public health. The main objective of celebrating this day is to encourage the role of pharmacists in improving health in every corner of the world.
A Pharmacist performs all their responsibilities with the health of people in their mind, this includes, making sure the medicines are correctly identified, restocked, checked for expiry dates and availability of medicines etc. This helps ensure that no one’s health is harmed in any way. With these considerations Keeping all these things in mind, FIP supported observing this day to honour all pharmacists.
The headquarters of FIP is located in The Hague, Netherlands and its slogan is ‘Advancing Pharmacy Worldwide’. The FIP started with a set of International Pharmaceutical Congresses that took place in the 19th century. In 1910, the 10th International Pharmaceutical Congress decided to form the International Pharmaceutical Federation.The first president was Prof. Dr Leopold from Italy, a professor at Leiden University, and Dr J.J. Hoffmann, a pharmacist in The Hague, was appointed as the first Secretary-General.
Historical Facts about Pharmacy
- 1618 – The first drug reference book was published by the Royal College of Physicians
- 1821 – The first pharmacy college was set up in the U.S.
- 1928 – Alexander Fleming found penicillin, changing how bacterial infections were treated.
- 1982 – Tamper-resistant packaging becomes the norm
- 1987 – The FDA gives approval to the first medication for HIV/AIDS, which is a big step in treating the disease.
- 2008 – Advent of robotized pharmacy
- 2020 – saw quick progress in pharmaceutical technology, with the creation of mRNA vaccines for COVID-19.
World Pharmacist Day 2024: Challenges for FIP in Improving Medical Facilities
The FIP is a global federation of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is facing various challenges in enhancing medical facilities and healthcare delivery.
Many regions still have limited access to healthcare services, and pharmacists often act as the first point of contact, especially in underserved areas. However, ensuring consistent access to essential medicines and healthcare services remains a significant challenge.
There is a worldwide shortage of healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, which affects the ability to offer comprehensive care and meet the increasing health needs of populations.
The increase in antimicrobial resistance poses a significant public health threat, and pharmacists play a vital role in promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics and educating the public about the risks of misuse.
Climate change and environmental pollution present new challenges to public health, and pharmacists are becoming more involved in implementing eco-friendly practices and addressing the health effects of environmental changes.
The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of pharmacists in responding to health crises. Planning for and managing emerging infectious diseases remains an ongoing challenge that requires strong healthcare systems and well-trained pharmacists. Enhancing health literacy among the public is crucial.
World Pharmacist Day 2024: FIP’s Mission
There are 127 members of the organization in this federation. This federation represents about 3 million doctors and scientists.
- The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) aims to help improve global health by advancing pharmacy practice, sciences, and education.
- FIP works towards supporting pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists worldwide, advocating for policies that strengthen the role of pharmacy in healthcare systems.
- Additionally, FIP promotes high standards in pharmaceutical education and training to ensure that pharmacists can meet the changing needs of healthcare.
- FIP also encourages innovation and research in pharmaceutical sciences to develop new and effective treatments.
- Furthermore, FIP provides resources and opportunities for pharmacists to continue their professional development and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in the field.
- Collaboration is another key focus of FIP, as they work to foster partnerships among pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and organizations to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
Lastly, FIP supports initiatives that enhance public health, such as disease prevention, health promotion, and ensuring access to essential medicines.
World Pharmacists Day Theme 2024
The special thing about World Pharmacist Day is that every year FIP sets a theme for it. The theme for World Pharmacists Day 2024 is “Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs.”
This theme shows how important pharmacists are in making sure everyone can get healthcare, taking care of patients, and helping with public health efforts all over the world. It focuses on how pharmacists help with global health problems and how they work hard to make communities healthier worldwide.
- World Pharmacist Day 2021 – Pharmacy: Always Trusted For Your Health
- World Pharmacist Day 2020 – Transforming global health
- World Pharmacist Day 2019 – Safe and effective medicines for all
- World Pharmacist Day 2018 – Pharmacists: Your medicines experts
- World Pharmacist Day 2017 – From research to health care: Your pharmacist is at your service
- World Pharmacist Day 2016 – Pharmacists: Caring for you
- World Pharmacist Day 2015 – Pharmacists: Your partners in health
- World Pharmacist Day 2014 – Access to pharmacists is access to health
- World Pharmacist Day 2013 – Pharmacists: simplifying your medicine use, no matter how complex
- World Pharmacist Day 2012 – Pharmacists – Your partners in using medicines responsibility
Know The Role of Pharmacists in creating a Healthy Society on world pharmacists day 2024
World Pharmacist Day 2024: Pharmacists are essential in promoting a healthy society in many ways.
- They make sure that patients get the right medications and doses, which are crucial for effective treatment and patient safety.
- Pharmacists conduct health screenings, give immunizations, and provide health education, offering important information on preventing diseases, living healthy, and managing chronic conditions. They are easily accessible healthcare providers, giving immediate health advice and services without needing appointments, making healthcare more reachable for everyone.
- Pharmacists help patients handle chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma by advising on medication adherence and lifestyle changes. They also play a vital role in fighting against antibiotic resistance by encouraging the proper use of antibiotics and educating the public on the risks of misuse.
- Pharmacists contribute to the creation of new medications and therapies through research, collaborating with healthcare teams to guarantee that new treatments are safe and efficient.
- Furthermore, they support policies that enhance public health and healthcare delivery, working with policymakers to make sure that healthcare systems are prepared for present and future health issues.
Learn about the Father of Indian Pharmacy on world’s Pharmacist Day 2024
Professor Mahadev Lal Shroff is recognised as the father of Indian Pharmacy. His impact on the field of pharmacy was incomparable. He established a 3-year course for Pharmacy at Banaras Hindu University, which is now followed in every public and private university in India. Hailing from a modest town in Darbhanga, Bihar, Prof. Shroff completed his schooling in Bhagalpur. For his education, he joined the Engineering College of Banaras Hindu University.
In 1922, he commenced his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at Iowa, where he was awarded a prestigious scholarship. In December 1935, the United Provinces Pharma Association was founded, quickly growing beyond Uttar Pradesh and transforming into the Indian Pharmaceutical Association in 1939, with branches established nationwide. He also served as the founding editor of the Indian Journal of Pharmacy, which was launched in January 1939.
Who is the founder of pharmacist Day?
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) instituted Pharmacist Day, commonly referred to as World Pharmacists Day. FIP serves as a global federation representing national associations of chemists and pharmaceutical scientists. The decision to create this observance was made by the FIP Council during the World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences held in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2009. September 25th was chosen to commemorate the founding of FIP, which took place on the same date in 1912. This organization, FIP, designated September 25th as World Pharmacists Day to enhance awareness of the vital role pharmacists play in advancing global health.
What is the symbol of pharmacy?
The “bowl of hygeia” is one of the most well-known symbols of the pharmacy profession. This symbol consists of a snake encircled by a chalice or bowl. Hygieia (the Greek goddess of health) was the originator of this symbol. The snake has been associated with healing and medicine since antiquity. The bowl symbolizes the mixing of medicinal and pharmaceutical products. This symbol is frequently found on pharmacy signs and emblems, as well as on other pharmacy-related materials. This symbol symbolizes the pharmacy profession’s emphasis on health and medicine.
In Greek mythology (C.E. 2000-400 BCE), statues of the Greek god of medicine (Asclepius) with “Caduceus” (two snakes and a staff) and his daughter (Hygeia, the god of health) holding a snake and a bowl were created as symbols of medicine and health. A type of Caduceus, consisting of one snake and one staff, has been used by the WHO as a symbol of health. Whereas a snake and a bowl symbolizes pharmacies in Europe
What is the old name of pharmacy?
The original term for pharmacy was “apothecary.” In the past, an apothecary was someone who manufactured and sold medications and pharmaceutical cures. The name “apothecary” has historical roots and was frequently used before the term “pharmacy” was generally adopted to designate the profession and the locations where medications are dispensed and produced. The term “apothecary” is still used in nostalgic or historical contexts today, while “pharmacy” is the more current and widely used term.
Who discovered pharmacy in India?
Prof. Mahadeva Lal Schroff is renowned as the Father of Pharmacy Education in India since he guided the field of pharmacy and inspired multiple generations of chemists. He wasn’t a licenced chemist, yet he made numerous contributions to the sector and helped to expand chances for future pharmacists.
What are the ways to commemorate Pharmacist Day?
World Pharmacist Day 2024: To make this day more memorable, people share quotes or statuses related to World Pharmacists Day. They express their gratitude towards the pharmacist and the people related to them and congratulate them through social media i.e. WhatsApp, Facebook and other apps. Here are some tips you can also Celebrate this day :
- Show your gratitude to Your Pharmacists: your local pharmacy has helped you in some very trying times. Show them your gratitude. Start with simple thanks and then move to advertise their awesome services to everyone you know.
- Protect Your Local Pharmacies: In the World full of Online sites buy medicines and other available items from local pharmacies as much as you can. This way, you contribute towards keeping the place open and keep your pharmacist in a job.
- Encouraging pharmacists to pursue ongoing professional development is essential. This may involve attending conferences, enrolling in educational courses, or participating in training sessions to remain informed about the latest advancements in the profession.
COOL FACTS ABOUT PHARMACISTS
- Around 90% of people in the U.S. live within five miles of a pharmacist — that’s how many of these health professionals the country has.
- Alexander Flemming (who discovered penicillin), Agatha Christie (world-famous crime author), and Hubert Humphrey (38th Vice President of the U.S.), are only some famous names who have also been pharmacists.
- Pharmacists began selling the first mass-produced, pre-packaged drug called ‘antipyrine’ in 1883; by the 1900s, most medicines were sold by pharmacies this way.
- Louis Dufilho, America’s first licensed pharmacist, opened a pharmacy in New Orleans that sold Voodoo remedies, opium, and leeches, alongside traditional medicines.
- A pharmacist named James Vernor was creating a mixture to calm the stomach when he accidentally made what would then be known as one of America’s oldest soft drinks — ‘Vernors Ginger Ale.’
- Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Dr Pepper, and Ginger Ale were all invented by pharmacists.
- The most well-known pharmacist in the world is Dr Joseph DiPiro who wrote the pharmacy textbook, Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach
How to become a Pharmacist?
World Pharmacist Day 2024: The basic qualification to be a pharmacist is studying science subjects like physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics in 10+2. After completing 10+2, a candidate can either pursue a diploma or bachelor’s degree or complete a Doctor in Pharmacy. Furthermore, pursuing a master’s or doctorate is optional.
Common Responsibilities of a Pharmacist:
- Dispensing medications to patients
- Reviewing the prescription for accuracy
- Educating patients on how and when to take the prescribed medications
- Discussing and elaborating on the potential side effects of a medicine
- Providing flu injections and other vaccinations upon patient’s request
- Determining whether the current medications will interact with other medications a patient takes
- Overseeing the drugs supply chain and ensuring refills of out-of-stock medications
- Educating other staff and patients on various drug therapies
- Ensuring compliance with state and central government regulations.
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FAQ Regarding World Pharmacist Day
Answer: – World Pharmacist Day is celebrated every year on 25 September.
Answer:- World Pharmacist Day signifies the importance of the valuable contribution of pharmacists in the medical field.
Answer:- Mahadev Lal Shroff is considered to be the father of pharmacists in India.
Answer: Bachelor of Pharmacy is one of the most preferred degree options at the undergraduate level. It opens the door to multiple career options like Drug Inspector, Hospital Drug Coordinator, Drug Therapist, Chemical Technician, and more.
Answer: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) which is a six-year course after 10+2 which includes five years of clinical and community-based theoretical study, with ward rounds and a one-year internship in hospitals. Students who are pursuing a bachelor’s in Pharmacy can take lateral entry direct to the 4th year of Pharm.D.
Answer: The founder of World Pharmacists Day is associated with the establishment of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in 1912, which is commemorated annually on September 25. The FIP Council officially recognized this day in 2009. Consequently, the World Pharmacists Day campaign is organized by FIP each year, with a theme selected by the FIP Bureau.
Answer: The FIP World Pharmacists Day initiative, named “Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs,” provides a platform for the profession to celebrate its role in improving health on a global scale. Additionally, it offers an opportunity to highlight our potential to further advance health outcomes worldwide.
