World Pharmacists Day 2025
Purpose of World Pharmacists Day
World Pharmacists Day provides an opportunity to recognise pharmacists' contributions to the healthcare system and remind decision makers of their importance.
Pharmacists are a crucial element of healthcare systems. They are often the first person that someone who is feeling unwell might ask for help and are often quicker to access than other services.
Additionally, pharmacists make sure that medication is dispensed correctly and have a significant role in preventing the overuse of antibiotics. Moreover, they administer vaccinations and can offer advice to members of the public, such as through the Pharmacy First scheme. However, despite their important role in the healthcare system, they are often overlooked .
Who organises World Pharmacists Day?
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is a global representative body for pharmacy as well as pharmaceutical sciences and education. It was created on 25 September 1912 and World Pharmacists Day has been held on this day since then.
This year’s theme
‘Think Health, Think Pharmacist’ has been chosen to be this year’s theme, highlighting that pharmacists are crucial to patients’ health. Additionally, the unequal distribution of pharmacists around the world is spotlighted and the fact that we need more pharmacists.
The FIP also hopes to draw attention to the consequences of replacing pharmacists with health workers that do not have the same level of education. This could lead to medication errors and increase the burden on other health services. To learn more about this year’s theme, click here.
How can a pharmacist help you?
Pharmacists can provide medical advice if you have a common illness such as a cold, ear infection, cough and other pains.
Questions regarding medicines and how to take them, or if you are struggling with medication side effects can also be directed to your pharmacist. Importantly, pharmacists are also able to prescribe medicines for some conditions themselves, including for sinusitis, urinary tract infections, shingles and more.
If a pharmacist cannot help you, they can refer you to another service like your GP. You can find more information regarding NHS pharmacies and your closest one here.
