International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has selected an Indian community pharmacist among its list of six suggested "Heroes for Health" to be considered by the World Health Organisation. Raj Vaidya, a practicing community pharmacist from Goa is the person who received the honour.

FIP said that the initiative aims to raise awareness of the role of a pharmacist and workforce issues in each of the six WHO regions. "Heroes for Health" will celebrate the individual pharmacist's outstanding contribution to the advancement of the profession and positive impact on the health of their communities. The selection was based on a questionnaire which asked the nominee to describe his daily work routine, reason to choose the profession, difficulties one encounters, greatest motive force etc.

Raj Vaidya holds the position of Secretary of the Community Pharmacy Section of Indian Pharmaceutical Association. He has taken the lead in preparing and implementing the Good Pharmacy Practice Training Manual of IPA jointly with Drug Control Administration and the WHO India country office.

While WHO is to select one among the six FIP nominees to be included in its special photo feature story series on Heroes for Health, FIP has already honoured its heroes during the World Health Day on April 7, 2006.