Udaipur, Sept 25, 2025: World Pharmacists Day, organized by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), a WHO partner, is a day to recognize and celebrate the crucial role that pharmacists play in building healthier communities everywhere.

World Pharmacists Day is observed on September 25 every year. This day is celebrated to acknowledge the critical role that pharmacists play in the healthcare system. Pharmacists are known to be the unsung heroes of the healthcare industry, as they offer crucial services that guarantee the safe and efficient use of pharmaceuticals.

Apart from providing prescription medicines, pharmacists advise medical experts on drug interactions, teach patients how to take medications correctly, and act as the first point of contact for anybody looking for health-related information. Their job is essential to patient care, health promotion, and illness prevention.

World Pharmacists Day: History

The history of World Pharmacists Day traces back to 2009, when it was established by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the global federation of national organisations of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. The decision to celebrate World Pharmacists Day on September 25 was chosen to mark the anniversary of the founding of FIP in 1912.

The FIP mentions: “World Pharmacists Day (25 September) marks the anniversary of the inception of FIP in 1912 and was adopted by the FIP Council in 2009. As such, the World Pharmacists Day campaign is led by FIP every year, with the theme chosen by the FIP Bureau.”

FIP

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global body representing over 4 million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. We work to meet the world's healthcare needs. FIP is a non-governmental organisation that has been in official relations with the World Health Organization since 1948.

Role of pharmacist in FIP

Developed jointly by WHO and the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), the guidelines outline four main roles, functions and activities for pharmacists: 1. Prepare, obtain, store, secure, distribute, administer, dispense, and dispose of medical products. 2. Provide effective medication therapy management.

Pharmacists are integral to our health-care systems, often being the first point of contact for health advice and primary health care, as well as addressing the health needs of our populations in many varied ways, including: ensuring access to and providing guidance on essential medicines and medical devices, including diagnostic tests and assistive products; providing expertise for patient care and public health; promoting disease prevention, such as by administering vaccines, conducting health screening, educating patients, and helping to improve health literacy; supporting public health campaigns; participating in the research and development of new medicines; leading in pharmacovigilance, for instance, ensuring the safety and efficacy of antibiotics and other medicines; implementing greener ways of working and addressing the impacts of environmental factors on health; advocating for policy changes that promote better health outcomes; and as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacists are at the forefront of addressing regional and global health crises.

Around the international day, WHO/Europe will be organizing a High-level Policy Symposium on Pharmacy Care and Pharmaceutical Services on 24 September, as well as launching its new report on Community pharmacy regulatory and practice models in eastern Europe and central Asia.

Representing pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists and pharmaceutical educators

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global body for pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences and pharmaceutical education. Through 160 national organisations, allied organisations (including academic institutional members) and individual members, we represent over four million pharmacists, pharmaceutical scientists and pharmaceutical educators around the world.

Supporting the pharmacy profession

Founded in 1912, FIP is a non-governmental organization with its head office in the Netherlands. Through our partnerships and extensive pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences network, we work to support the development of the pharmacy profession, through practice and emerging scientific innovations, and through developing the pharmacy workforce in order to meet the world’s health care needs and expectations.

Leader of pharmacy at a global level

Molecules become medicines when pharmaceutical expertise is added. In turn, pharmacists  through ensuring responsible use  optimize the effects of these medicines. FIP is recognized as the leader of pharmacy at a global level. We continue to expand our presence, within pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, and influence through partnerships with some of the world’s leading health, policymaking, education and science institutions.

The author of the above article is Dr. Gunjan Jadon | M.Pharm, PhD, LLB, PDCR, OCTT, PCPV