THE International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has called for pharmacies to be defined as healthcare facilities and for pharmacists to be recognised as healthcare providers, in order to achieve a fully profession-centred, service-oriented practice model.
In a holding statement released yesterday, FIP emphasised the need for supportive legislative and regulatory frameworks to enable these changes.
FIP highlighted the importance of community pharmacies in providing integrated primary healthcare, which can ease the burden on general practitioners and emergency departments.
"Legislation defining how community pharmacies operate, including workforce, supervision, and services, is essential to meet healthcare needs," said Brett Simmonds, chair of the FIP Regulators Advisory Group.
"It is vital to emphasise the need for rigorous enforcement of these regulations to ensure high standards of practice and effective collaboration among pharmacists," added Simmonds.
Sherif Guorgui, President of FIP's Community Pharmacy Section, noted that the pharmacy practice is evolving to include primary healthcare services such as prevention, screening and management of chronic diseases, and vaccination.
"There is robust evidence that these services add significant value to health systems and society," Guorgui asserted.
The FIP also stressed the need for funding mechanisms to make pharmacy services equitable and sustainable, urging governments to focus on developing a supportive environment for pharmacies.
The holding statement serves as an initial position on pending issues, with further statements expected from FIP as more evidence becomes available.
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