Blitz Bureau
THE World Pharmacists Day is celebrated every year on September 25 to honour the significant contributions that pharmacists make to global health. The event is organised by the International Pharmaceutical Federation, a partner of the World Health Organisation (WHO). The theme for 2024, ‘Pharmacists: Meeting Global Health Needs’, underscored how pharmacists are central to addressing diverse health challenges.
Pharmacists are at the forefront of healthcare, often serving as the first point of contact for individuals seeking health advice or primary care. Their role extends far beyond merely dispensing medications.
They provide expert guidance on the safe and effective use of drugs, help in the management of chronic diseases, and educate patients on the importance of adherence to prescribed therapies. Their accessibility and expertise make them integral in promoting public health, supporting disease prevention campaigns, and providing cost-effective solutions for patients through the recommendation of generic medicines.
India celebrations
To mark the World Pharmacists Day 2024, various activities were organised across India to raise awareness about the critical role of pharmacists in promoting global health. The activities included rallies with banners to highlight the theme of the day and raise awareness about the importance of pharmacists; health screening camps offering free checkups; sensitising public about the role of pharmacist in meeting global health needs; awareness programmes; competitions; and environmental initiatives. The pharmacists play a vital role as drug information specialists and accessible healthcare providers.
They have a unique opportunity to educate patients and healthcare professionals on the benefits of generic over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications, initiate conversations with patients, addressing concerns and promoting informed decision-making and leverage social media platforms to increase awareness about safe use of medicines.
One of the key contributions of pharmacists is ensuring access to affordable, high-quality generic medicines. Generic medicines are bioequivalent to their branded counterparts, meaning they provide the same therapeutic benefits but at a significantly lower cost.
Generic transition
Pharmacists, being drug information specialists and easily accessible healthcare providers, have a special opportunity to inform patients and other healthcare professionals about the advantages of transitioning to generic over the counter and prescription medications in community pharmacy settings.
They play a vital role in healthcare by assessing the effectiveness of medication therapy, evaluating daily lifestyle habits, and monitoring treatment outcomes. With their expertise and organisational skills, pharmacists are well-equipped to lead and participate in substance abuse prevention and education initiatives.
India is a global leader in the supply of DPT, BCG, and Measles vaccines. It is one of the biggest suppliers of low-cost vaccines in the world. India accounts for 60 pc of global vaccine production, contributing up to 70 pc of the WHO demand for DPT and BCG vaccines, and 90 pc of the WHO demand for the measles vaccine. The nation is the largest provider of generic medicines globally, occupying a 20 pc share in global supply by volume, and is the leading vaccine manufacturer globally.
The industry, currently valued at $50 billion, is expected to reach $65 billion by 2024 and to $130 billion by 2030. India is a major exporter of pharmaceuticals, with over 200+ countries served. The country supplies over 50 pc of Africa’s requirement for generics, approximately 40 pc of generic demand in the US and approximately 25 pc of all medicine in the UK.
