Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) recently made a strong appeal to the health ministry urging it to include National Pharmacist Day celebrated on September 25, as one of the health days on the national health portal. The Association stressed that this move is essential to create proper recognition of the relentless efforts and the important role played by the pharmacists in the healthcare system.

It is understood that in spite of being one of the major workforce associated in delivering healthcare needs of the country and of the patients, their role is neither well-defined nor duly recognised by the Centre yet. Kaushik Desai general secretary of IPA pointed out that it is high time to highlight the multifaceted role of the pharmacists, so that not only the profession gets its due recognition in the society but also enables the patients to fully utilise their abilities.

Desai stressed, “We are not involved in just pharmacy practice as generally perceived by the public in India, but also have other key roles to play in the manufacturing, research, quality assurance, regulatory control, and educational sector to name a few. Most importantly, our role as community pharmacist, which enables us to tap our potential as counselors to the patients, to whom we are usually the first point of contact is immeasurable. Since, pharmacists are key healthcare professionals uniquely prepared and available, committed to the goal of patient care the government should recognise their efforts and substantial contribution to the society by including Pharmacist Day in the national healthcare portal. It will create awareness about the pharmacist’s role among authorities, public and healthcare professionals.”

This is needed in the light of lack of identity among the public about the exact role of pharmacist. He hoped that if Pharmacy Day is included in the health portal, the day will get its due recognition at a national level and will be known among larger public. It is understood that pharmacists represent the 3rd largest professional group in the world, with India currently having around ten lakh-registered pharmacists working in various positions. Experts state that pharmacists have a versatile role to play in the system and entire journey of medicines, right from its production till its use by the patients, applying their unique skills and knowledge to contribute to the healthcare needs of the country.

It is important to note that to recognise the substantial contribution of the pharmacists in the society, International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) initiated the World Pharmacist Day on September 25, a global event in 2010. Interestingly, keeping in line with FIP, the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) also declared the same day as the Pharmacist Day for the country since 2013.