Pharmacy Daily | RPS returns to FIP ranks

BRITAIN'S Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) is once again a member of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), in an about-face from a unilateral decision to withdraw from the organisation about 12 months ago.

The RPS was one of FIP's founding members when it was established to represent pharmacy globally in 1912, and many UK members were dismayed at the pullout which was reportedly undertaken without consultation with members.

After taking on board feedback, in Nov last year the Society announced it would once again apply for membership of FIP, saying an overwhelming majority of its members had voted in favour of returning to the fold.

"Members told us they wanted to see us rejoin FIP to further our commitment to international partnerships that support education and advocacy to develop and progress the pharmacy profession, said RPS President, Claire Anderson (pictured).

She said the Society "fully recognises the importance of international collaboration and the sharing of knowledge and best practice".

"Now that we have rejoined, our teams across RPS look forward to reinvigorating the close collaboration we have previously enjoyed with our colleagues, both within FIP itself and across the breadth of FIP member organisations to further our vision and mission," according to the Society's CEO, Paul Bennett.

FIP CEO Catherine Duggan said the Federation was pleased to welcome RPS back to the family.

"RPS is an influential voice in pharmacy across Great Britain, and their rejoining will strengthen our objectives to advance pharmacy worldwide," she said.

Dominique Jordan, FIP President, noted that "all pharmacy bodies need to work in solidarity to advocate for the profession and improve health outcomes for patients around the world...amid the challenges our profession and health systems face".

Australia will be firmly in focus for the global pharmacy community later this year when Brisbane hosts the 81st FIP World Congress, scheduled for 24-28 Sep.