Grace Quach MPS[/caption]
I am delighted to celebrate World Pharmacists Day (WPD) 2022 with you later this month, my first since being elected to lead the PSA.
My time in this role has only confirmed what I already knew – that pharmacists are some of the most dedicated, caring and selfless health professionals in Australia.
The pandemic has highlighted pharmacists’ roles as essential primary healthcare providers, and we became the first point of contact for many in our communities. No matter what the circumstance, pharmacists continued to show up, serve and make a positive impact.
Pharmacists demonstrated, and continue to show agility, tenacity and reliability. We have been adapting and innovating our practice to meet the challenges of the pandemic and serve our health system. I am so proud to be a part of this profession.
World Pharmacists Day is on 25 September, and this year’s theme is “Pharmacy united in action for a healthier world”. This is an opportunity to show our communities and governments where pharmacy has come from, and where we are going. No matter where we are practising, we are ONE profession, and we must work together collaboratively and united as one team.
World Patient Safety Day is also on 17 September, and this year’s theme is “Medication Without Harm”. The PSA has spearheaded medicine safety over recent years, and had it recognised as a National Health Priority Area in 2019. We continue our advocacy in this space this month, by launching our Medicine safety: disability care report at Parliament House in Canberra. Pharmacists and disability care advocates from around Australia will come together at Parliament House to share stories and experiences with our federal parliamentarians, and lobby for pharmacists to play a greater role in disability care.
I’m looking forward to celebrating with all my fellow pharmacists, and seeing all the celebrations on social media. Look out for PSA’s WPD activities and get involved on social media with the hashtag #WorldPharmacistsDay22. Don’t forget to tag PSA in your posts!
In the meantime, with PSA CEO Mark Kinsela and Senior Pharmacist Strategic Policy Peter Guthrey, I will be heading to Seville, Spain, for the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) Congress alongside pharmacy organisations from around the world. I’m excited to be representing Australian pharmacists, discussing our many achievements over the last 2 years, as well as opportunities for us moving forward.
World Pharmacists Day is so special, because it’s not just about pharmacists, it’s about everyone in the community. The work we do has enormous impact on people’s lives. The selfless, important role we play often goes unnoticed, and a day like this serves to remind everyone of the positive impact pharmacists make on local communities.
Thank YOU, pharmacists. Look after yourself and each other in our beloved profession. The world will be healthier when we unite. Together, we are stronger.
