Supporting the profession and patients on World Pharmacists Day

Industry
By
Georgia Clarke
-
World Pharmacists Day

The theme for this year’s World Pharmacists Day (25 September) is Pharmacists: Meeting global health needs.

Marking this important day for pharmacists, PSA reaffirmed the key actions that form its flagship vision Pharmacists in 2030 – highlighting the growing role of Australia’s pharmacists in meeting health needs.

Pharmacists around Australia and the world respond to health challenges every day. Whether by improving access to essential medicines, vaccination services and health advice, or optimising medicine use for safety and efficacy – pharmacists are on the frontline of Australia’s healthcare system every day.

Last month, PSA released Pharmacists in 2030, mapping the direction of the pharmacy profession over the coming years. Pharmacists in 2030 further identifies the key areas for reform in both practice and workforce development necessary to meet the health challenges of the future.

Pharmacists in 2030 emphasises a strong focus on medicine safety and improving access to care and medicines, along with building an increased focus on patient equity, sustainability and supports which empower pharmacists to be the best they can be.

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that the future PSA sees further harnesses the potential of pharmacists.

‘Australians need the expertise of pharmacists more than ever before,’ said A/Prof Sim. 

As medicine use continues to grow and our population ages, Australian health needs are becoming more complex.

‘PSA sees pharmacists in all areas of practice doing more to meet these health challenges, and supported to do more for their patients or the communities they serve,’ she said.

‘By 2030, we see community pharmacy formally recognised as a preventive and primary health care hub where pharmacists are appropriately funded to practise to full and top of scope and play a greater role in preventive health care, treatment of acute illnesses and management of chronic health conditions – particularly through an increased prescribing role.’

While most community pharmacies will remain broad in their health offering to the community, some will become more specialised and focused to meet specific needs, said A/Prof Sim.

‘Many of these changes are already well underway with various scope of practice pilots and changes occurring in every state and territory, she said. ‘These innovations and initiatives have been driven by real patient need and health system demand.’

There is also a need for pharmacists wherever medicines are prescribed, dispensed, administered or reviewed, meaning they will play a bigger role in multidisciplinary health care teams.

‘Some of these roles will be relevant to community pharmacists, particularly in outreach services, others will see pharmacists embedded in these teams, often being a key conduit to reduce medicine safety risks in liaison with a patient’s community pharmacy,’ said A/Prof Sim.

PSA Foundation launched

On World Pharmacists Day, PSA officially launched the PSA Foundation, supporting excellence in pharmacy practice by providing funding to support pharmacists’ practice, research, education, and professional development.

The PSA Foundation is an Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission-registered charity and is deductible gift recipient endorsed.

The launch closely aligns with the 2025 World Pharmacists Day theme, reflecting the critical role of pharmacists in improving healthcare access and outcomes worldwide.

The PSA Foundation’s Vision and Mission 

The PSA Foundation’s vision is to optimise pharmacists’ roles in the Australian healthcare system through excellence in pharmacy practice and research.

Its mission is to enhance, foster, and promote excellence in pharmacy practice by providing opportunities for research, study, and postgraduate education across all areas of pharmacy practice. 

Through these efforts, we aim to elevate practice standards and improve public health outcomes for all Australians.

Contribution from Pharmaceutical Society of Queensland

PSA acknowledges the generous contribution of the Pharmaceutical Society of Queensland (historical society) and the Queensland Pharmacy Research Trust. This donation helps kickstart several initiatives that support the Foundation’s mission to improve public health through innovative pharmacy practice.

A/Prof Sim FPS, Chair of the PSA Foundation Board, emphasised the importance of this donation.

‘This generous contribution from the Pharmaceutical Society of Queensland and Queensland Pharmacy Research Trust marks an exciting beginning for the PSA Foundation,’ she said.

‘Thanks to their donation, we are supporting more pharmacists to expand their practice and ultimately deliver better health outcomes for all Australians.

‘As the Chair of the Foundation, I would like to acknowledge the inaugural Board directors Rhonda White AO FPS, Cathie Reid AM, A/Prof Shane Jackson FPS and Nick Foster, and their significant work in establishing the PSA Foundation.’

The establishment of the Foundation unlocks funds from historical trusts and expands them further. This ensures ongoing support for members of the profession, especially during critical periods of practice change.

‘Through the PSA Foundation we are able to grow support for the future of pharmacy, starting today,’ said A/Prof Sim.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Grant applications now open

Thanks to the generous donation of the Pharmaceutical Society of Queensland, the PSA Foundation is pleased to announce grant opportunities for Queensland pharmacists to undertake MHFA training, supported by the Foundation.

Mental Health First Aid training strengthens pharmacists’ capacity to provide critical first aid to members of our communities facing mental health challenges.

Queensland pharmacists are invited to submit their Expression of Interest to take part. 

Applications will be assessed, and grants awarded based on the personal and professional experience of applicants, as well as the communities they serve.

‘This MHFA training will empower pharmacists to play an even greater role in supporting mental health across Queensland, ensuring that patients can access help when and where they need it, said A/Prof Sim.

‘It is also an opportunity to upskill our profession to support our friends and colleagues as our practice is getting more complex and face growing pressures as pharmacists.’

This is an exciting first step for the PSA Foundation to support the growing roles of pharmacists. 

‘The Foundation Board is already progressing initiatives across other states and territories, and welcomes contact from stakeholders interested in supporting the Foundation’s mission to ensure a strong future for pharmacy and healthcare innovation,’ she said.

‘To the 38,000 pharmacists practising around the country, make sure you take a moment to celebrate your contribution to the health and wellbeing of your community this World Pharmacy Week and particularly today on World Pharmacists Day.’