For the first time in its around 100-year old history, the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the 132-member global association of national associations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists will be holding its annual congress in India at Hyderabad from September 1 to 8 in 2011.

The event is significant as the Indian pharmacy profession and education will get a big global exposure due to the FIP congress. It will be a good opportunity for the country to showcase its pharmacy profession and education to the world. The Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) is taking the lead in organising this world event for the first time in India.

Over 3000 pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists, academics, researches, students and press from 120 countries across the world are expected to be in the country to participate in sessions, workshops and discussions focused on pharmacy and education. IPA president Dr B Suresh said that the event will be a good opportunity for the country to showcase the progress made in the field of pharmacy profession and education to the world leaders.

Dr Suresh said that the FIP's priorities have expanded both literally and figuratively to meet the needs and expectations of the profession in expanding healthcare services and integrating emerging scientific developments in the world. Changes in pharmacy and the emergence of pharmacy practice as a cornerstone of the profession have led FIP to become globally visible for its advocacy on behalf of the role of the pharmacist in providing healthcare, while still maintaining its grounding in the pharmaceutical sciences.

Through the work of various individuals, working groups and taskforces, FIP initiates and implements numerous projects and programmes that are making a significant impact within global pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical sciences and community health.

Every year, FIP organises the World Congress of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, where thousands of pharmacists meet, learn, share and exchange views. Lectures, plenary sessions, poster exhibitions and section programmes, together with Council meetings and the Leadership Conference make this event the premier international event in pharmacy each year. The social side - finding new friends and greeting old ones - complements the varied Congress programme. The annual Congress also serves the young pharmacists group with specially planned sessions and workshops focussed on current issues facing this unique segment of the profession.