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24 Sep 2020
On World Pharmacists Day, on behalf of the Pharmacy Board of Australia (the Board), I would like to acknowledge the significant efforts of all pharmacists in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year has been a particularly challenging year as pharmacists have had to deal with natural disasters such as bushfires and floods as well as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The Board is also recognising the role of pharmacists in transforming global health during this year’s World Pharmacists Day.
Marked worldwide on 25 September, the theme for 2020 is ‘Transforming global health’, acknowledging the vital role of pharmacists in improving health across the world.
This year’s theme highlights how pharmacists are transforming health through the services they provide to their communities, educating our future pharmacists and contributing to the development of medicines.
The annual World Pharmacists Day is organised by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and this year is the tenth ever World Pharmacists Day.
As the body responsible for regulating Australia’s 34,512 pharmacists, the Board is recognising the expertise of pharmacists and the important role they have in supporting good health within the community. During the many challenges of the last year such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists have responded by ensuring ongoing access to medicines and information to help the public maintain their health and safety in very difficult circumstances.
Outside of these exceptional circumstances, in the community and in hospitals, pharmacists routinely provide a variety of services such as giving advice on managing chronic medical conditions, helping people to take their medications correctly, improving health literacy and administering vaccines.
Pharmacists are also involved in research and development which has a key role in ensuring that medicines are safe and effective, and that new treatments and vaccines continue to be developed. Pharmacists are increasingly using digital systems such as electronic prescriptions and health records which can help deliver improved healthcare to their communities.
Other areas of practise where pharmacists are contributing to the health of people across Australia include general practice medical centres, academia, pharmaceutical industry, military, aged care, government, drug safety and regulatory affairs.
On behalf of the Board, I thank all pharmacists in all areas of practice for their role in transforming global health.
Brett Simmonds Chair Pharmacy Board of Australia
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