Excel India Desk
The 80th congress of FIP focused on the importance of pharmacy sector in the post-Covid world. The global health emergency of COVID-19 has proved that “pharmacists and pharmacies are integral to a well-functioning healthcare system” and that the profession has advanced at an “unprecedented rate”, expanding its scope to provide more services, sad FIP (International Pharmaceutical Federation) President Dominique Jordan.
Jordan was speaking in his presidential address at the opening of FIP’s 80th World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Seville, Spain, on September 18. The 5 day congress is being held with the theme of “Pharmacy United in the Recovery of Health Care”. FIP is a prestigious body that sets direction to the pharmaceutical field all over the world.
For example, according to FIP data as of August 2022, pharmacy-based vaccination is now available in at least 40 countries and territories — 20 more than in 2016. During his speech — his first addressing the FIP congress face-to-face after a gap of three years — Jordan said that many people had had a difficult time with health since the start of the COVID pandemic, including himself.
He shared that he was receiving treatment for cancer and, as a result of side effects, part of his presidential address would be delivered by FIP vice president Ash Soni. On the FIP president’s behalf, Soni said that it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted health services as well as bringing additional burden, including an increase in mental health care needs. “Add wars and food insecurities to this landscape, and it can be no surprise that decades of improvements in health outcomes are now under threat of reversal,” he said.
He added: “If universal health coverage is to become a reality, growth in the provision and use of essential health services through pharmacy must accelerate further. Pharmacy — through its many sectors and areas of expertise — is vital to universal health coverage.” Over 2,250 people from 97 countries registered to attend the congress.
Carolina Darias:
Spain Health Minister Carolina Darias who was a major speaker at the opening ceremony of the congress said that pharmacy plays a priority role in the strategic process of reinforcing and strengthening the health system. Its healthcare work and the value it brings to the system and to patients is key.
“Pharmacy is a key player in our health system and its contribution is essential if we are to meet the United Nations mandate included in the 2030 Agenda and ensure sustainable healthy lives,” she said. In particular, the minister acknowledged the role of pharmacy in ensuring the proper functioning of supply chains, advancing the fight against antimicrobial resistance, in pharmacovigilance and also in tackling depopulation of rural areas.
Indian delegation:
A large number of delegates from India led by Dr TV Narayana from South East Asian Region Forum, FIP attended the congress. The delegation drawn from different pharma educational and research institutions participated actively in various sessions at the 80th congress. “This congress is useful in updating our knowledge on pharma sector in the post-Covid world,” said Dr Narayana.
