Statement from the Turkish Pharmacists' Association on World Pharmacists Day
On World Pharmacists Day, the Turkish Pharmacists' Association demanded the strengthening of pharmacists' role in healthcare services, the resolution of employment issues, and the relief of pharmacies from economic pressures.
Making a statement on the occasion of September 25 World Pharmacists Day, the Turkish Pharmacists' Association emphasized that the effective role of pharmacists in healthcare services must be increased, professional employment issues must be resolved, and the economic independence of pharmacies must be protected.
World Pharmacists Day and the New Theme
September 25 World Pharmacists Day is being celebrated this year by the International Pharmaceutical Federation with the theme Empowering pharmacists for a healthier future.
The proposal to celebrate this special day worldwide was brought to the agenda and accepted by the Turkish Pharmacists' Association in 2009.
The Role of Pharmacy in the Healthcare System
It was stated that the pharmacy profession has evolved beyond its traditional role of medication supply into a structure focused on patient and public health.
It was expressed that pharmacists in many countries assume broad responsibilities in areas such as vaccination, chronic disease tracking, early diagnosis, and rational drug use.
Employment Issues and Planning
It was noted that alongside more than 31,000 community pharmacies in Turkey, pharmacists working in the public sector constitute one of the fundamental elements of the healthcare system.
It was requested that strategic planning be carried out for the pharmacist workforce, quotas be determined according to needs, and new employment areas be created.
Economic Pressures and Pharmacy Economy
It was explained that high inflation, exchange rate pressures, reference pricing problems, and insufficient profit margins are straining pharmacy economies.
In order to sustain primary healthcare services, an economically strong and professionally independent pharmacy structure was demanded.
Digital Technologies and Future Vision
It was emphasized that artificial intelligence and e-health applications should be used not to replace the pharmacist, but to strengthen healthcare services.
The message was given that the future of pharmacy in Turkey will be strengthened through policies that place the pharmacist at the center of the healthcare system.